Brown meagre
Scianena Umbra
Special features
The Brown meagre scream and drum at a frequency of 270 Hz when they want to mate.
They do this with their swim bladder, which is normally used by fish to move up and down in the water.
However, this species has also developed special muscles and villi to be able to produce sounds.
Appearance
The back is curved round, which gives the Brown meagre its characteristic carp-like body shape.
Both dorsal and caudal fins are yellow with black edges, and it has large, silver-to-golden scales. The ventral and anal fins are black with a white front edge.
The so-called lateral organ runs along the side of the body, which helps the Brown meagre to perceive changes in pressure in the water.
Natural enemies
Large predatory fish
Dangerous/Venomous
The sea raven is neither dangerous nor venomous.
Sketch
1. Curved back
2. Yellow fins with black edges
Pro tips
The Brown meagre can be found at dusk hunting for crabs and fish.
It does this by swimming without moving its fins and with the help of its swim bladder.
When it wants to be alone, he disappears silently into seaweed or caves.
Brown meagre can grow very large — up to 70cm — and reach an old age of 20 years.
Text: Carolina Leiter
Pic: Felician Hosp
Illustration: Dive Dict
