Gymnocranius superciliosus

The black nape sea bream is an occasional and fascinating host of reefs. As it cohabits with the frequent Mu to which it strongly resembles, it is difficult to realize that this is a different species.

Like the mu, it is generally found at the sandstone boundary, on the flat zone after the slope, or in shallow areas between the corals.

It differs from the Mu from the absence of vertical stripes. However, when the latter displays its silvery coloring, it is not easy to distinguish them.

One of its characteristics is to change very quickly color, with the appearance of a large black blotch on the side, like for some varieties of emperors.

Once captured, the identification is easier: The fins of G. Superciliosus are bright red, and its dentition much closer to that of the European pandora bream than that of the gilthead, or the Mu. It also has a black bow above the eye and a black/brown bar under the eye that fades after death.

However, this is not enough to differentiate it from another sea bream, G. Microdon, which is very similar to it. One must then look at the caudal, yellowish, and rounded tips for G. Microdon, while they are pointed for G. Superciliosus.

As distant as the Mu, but quite slow in its evolutions, it requires a distant and precise shot.

Although it hardly exceeds 2-3 pounds in weight, it is a tasty fish. A valid catch.