Pikey Bream
Acanthopagrus pacificus
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Quick Facts
Scientific nameAcanthopagrus pacificus
Other namesBlack Bream, Goldsilk Seabream, Pacific Seabream, Picnic Seabream, Pikey Black Bream
SizeUp to 35 cm (13.7 in)
WeightUp to 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)
FamilyBream / Sparidae
Distribution
Habitat & AU DistributionCoastal waters, brackish water, bays, rivers, harbours, estuaries, tidal creeks
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.
How to catch
Pikey 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
