Sarlema
Sarpa Salpa
Special features
You better not have Sarlema for dinner! They are feeding on poisonous algae and therefore have a hallucinogenic effect on us humans.
Even in ancient times, these inconspicuous fish were used for drug trips similar to LSD.
Appearance
The body of Sarlemas is laterally flattened and oval. Their head and mouth are comparatively small, as are their pectoral, dorsal and anal fins.
They are easily recognized by the gold-yellow stripes on their silver body.
Her eyes are also bright yellow. It can be up to half a meter tall and weigh 1.5kg. However, it is usually only 20cm tall.
Natural enemies
Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix)
European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Dangerous/Venomous
This species feeds on poisonous algae, which causes it to collect toxins in its body, especially in the abdomen. This makes it hallucinogenic. So as long as you do not eat it, The Sarlema is neither dangerous nor venomous.
Sketch
1. Small mouth
2. Gold-yellow eyes
3. Gold-yellow vertical stripes
4. Small fins
Pro tips
Sarlema, especially young ones, are very sociable fish.
They also form large shoals with other fish species to confuse predators.
Sarlemas are the leader of the group.
When an enemy arrives, they all swim away from the coast into open water in a flash.
Other fish can tell from their movements that danger is approaching.
One of her absolute favorite foods is sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca).
Text: Carolina Leiter, Felician Hosp, Pia Balaka
Pic: Felician Hosp, Sabine Probst
Illustration: Dive Dict
