Black Bream

Acanthopagrus Butcheri
Black Bream - Marinewise © 2026 MarineWise

Quick Facts

Scientific nameAcanthopagrus Butcheri
Other namesBlue Nose Bream, Gippsland Bream, Golden Bream, Perth Bream, Silver Bream, Southern Black Bream, Southern Bream
SizeUp to 60 cm (23.6 in)
WeightUp to 4.5 kg (3.3 lb)
FamilyBream / Sparidae

Distribution

Habitat & AU DistributionCoastal waters, brackish areas, estuaries, rivers, lakes, inlets around structure & seagrass
Black Bream Distribution
Species Interaction

Commercial & Recreational Fishing

Black Bream are a popular sports fish for all levels of fishing. They can be caught from shore or boat and are abundant throughout southern Australia. Black Bream also carry a significant commercial relevance in WA, SA and VIC.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Sparidae

Genus: Acanthopagrus

Species: Acanthopagrus butcheri

Conservation Status

Based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Black Bream are not currently categorised as species of concern.

How to catch
Black Bream

Catch Difficulty: Easy

Tackle: Paternoster rig, Running sinker rig, Artificial lure

Bait: Crab, Fresh cut fish bait, Hard-body lures, Pilchards, Prawns, Worms, Yabbies, Soft plastics

Technique: Fish bait near reef or structure, Cast near schooling fish

Popularity: Highly popular target species