Pikey Bream

Acanthopagrus pacificus
Pikey Bream - Marinewise © 2024 MarineWise

Quick Facts

Scientific name Acanthopagrus pacificus
Other names Black Bream, Goldsilk Seabream, Pacific Seabream, Picnic Seabream, Pikey Black Bream
Size Up to 35 cm (13.7 in)
Weight Up to 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Coastal waters, brackish water, bays, rivers, harbours, estuaries, tidal creeks
Depth Range
Pikey Bream Distribution

Interesting Info

  • Pikey Bream are a schooling fish, mostly found in brackish water estuaries.
  • These bream are often confused with their cousins the Northwest Black Bream and can only be distinguished by slight differences to their heads and location. If in northern WA its most likely a a Northwest Black Bream and if in North QLD or NT it would be a Pikey Bream.
  • They are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on smaller fish, crabs, worms & prawns.
  • Estimated lifespan is similar to most bream with an average between 3 to 8 years.
  • Pikey Bream have a large distribution from Japan down to Australia.
  • The main predators of Pikey Bream include sharks, larger predatory fish and birds.
Species Interaction

Recreational Fishing

Pikey Bream are a popular sports fish amongst all levels of anglers. They can be targeted from shore or boat and are abundant in northern WA, NT & north QLD.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Sparidae

Genus: Acanthopagrus

Species: Acanthopagrus pacificus

Conservation Status

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

Fish Taste Quality

Pikey Bream are a great table fish cooked as fillets or whole.

Taste Rating: 4/5

How to catch
Pikey Bream

Catch Difficulty: Easy

Tackle: Patternoster Rig, Running Sinker Rig, Artificial Rig

Bait: Crab, Fresh cut flesh baits, Lures, Pilchards, Prawns, Worms, Yabbies, Soft plastics

Technique: Keep bait close to the reef/structure, Cast bait/jig/lure near schooling fish

Popularity: Highly Targeted