Sparus aurata, more commonly known as bream, gilthead bream or sea bream, is a saltwater fish that lives close to the coast. The bream is an oval fish with a body protected by very thick scales with silvery reflections. There are at least 16 varieties of different colours ranging from gray to pink. Bream is mainly found in the Atlantic Ocean and in the Mediterranean Sea.
It is a bony species of the Sparidae family, and its size can reach up to 70 cm and 6 kg.
Valued for the quality of its flesh, it is one of the most consumed fish in the Mediterranean region. It is often confused with other edible species such as sargo or saddle bream.
