Description and characteristics
The bream (Abramis brama) is a medium-to-large cyprinid with a deep, strongly laterally compressed body covered with large, grey-silvery scales. At maturity it has a characteristic hump and a darker, bronze colour.
Habitat and distribution
It inhabits the freshwater and brackish waters of the Danube Delta — lakes, branches and canals, preferring calm waters with muddy bottoms and vegetation. It lives in schools.
Diet and behaviour
It feeds on benthic invertebrates, larvae, molluscs, worms and vegetation, searching on muddy bottoms. A schooling species, active especially at dawn.
Reproduction
Spawning occurs in spring at 12–16°C, with females laying numerous eggs on vegetation and bottoms. The fry grow quickly.
Economic and ecological importance
The bream has economic value, being fished for consumption and as a semi-commercial resource. Ecologically, it is part of the trophic base of schooling waters.
Threats and conservation
It is affected by pollution and overfishing. Responsible management and respect for minimum sizes are important.
Fishing and legal minimum size
The bream is caught with a rod and bottom nets. In the table of minimum legal sizes, the bream (Abramis brama) has a minimum legal size of 25 cm.
Conclusion
The bream is a valuable schooling cyprinid, important for fishing and the ecosystems of the Danube Delta.