The Aegean Sea is rich in fish species thanks to its warm and temperate marine climate. Many fish species that live in the Aegean can also be found in the Mediterranean and the Sea of Marmara.
This fish lives in muddy and sandy bottoms at depths of up to 300 meters, usually in schools. It typically measures 12–15 cm, reaching a maximum length of 40 cm. Its color ranges from mottled pink to red. Red mullets migrate seasonally depending on water temperature. With an average lifespan of 10 years, they lay between 15,000 and 100,000 eggs between April and June. It is a highly delicious and economically valuable fish. There are various types such as “paşa barbunu,” “ot barbunu,” “kum barbunu,” and the highly prized “kaya barbunu.”
This famous fish of the Aegean and Mediterranean typically measures 25–35 cm and weighs between 0.5 and 3 kg. The largest recorded size is 60 cm and 6 kg. It’s a carnivorous fish with strong jaws capable of feeding on small fish and shellfish. In summer, it lives in shallow areas; in winter, it moves to depths of 35–40 meters. Gilt-head breams over 2 years old prefer deeper waters. During their spawning season between October and December, they lay between 100,000 and 150,000 eggs. It is a valuable fish, also farmed commercially, and is known for its tasty meat.
A type of snapper resembling the “trança” fish, it typically grows 25–35 cm, reaching up to 80 cm. It feeds on small fish, mollusks, and crustaceans, living in rocky, stony habitats. Its spawning season runs from spring through August. This rare fish in the Aegean is considered the most delicious among the snapper family and has regional economic importance.
A type of seabream found in all Turkish seas, typically living in warm and temperate coastal areas. It measures between 16–20 cm and feeds on shrimp, sea worms, algae, and small fish. It is a seasonal migrator and considered a delicious fish, spawning from spring to late summer.
Similar to the “lipsoz” fish but smaller and darker. It has venomous spines like a scorpion, so care must be taken when handling. Despite its danger, its meat is very tasty and beneficial to health.
A bottom-dweller, rarely found in the Aegean, more common in the Black Sea. It lives at depths between 10 and 400 meters and is not a migratory fish. It can grow up to 1 meter long and live for 25–30 years. A carnivorous and greedy species, it spawns between April and June in 10–15°C waters. Its meat is delicious and has a high commercial value.
A local fish found in all Turkish seas, especially abundant in the temperate rocky waters of the Marmara and Aegean Seas. It lives in schools and spawns from spring to summer. The variant with striped tails is called “isparoz.” It’s a delicious and economically important species.
Another snapper species found in depths of 400–700 meters in the Aegean, close to rocky and stony seabeds. It can reach 35–40 cm and is known for its flavor and value. It spawns from spring to August depending on water temperature.
Although found in all Turkish seas, it’s mainly considered a Marmara fish. Resembling mackerel but a different species, it lives in schools and feeds on small fish and plankton. It matures at 2–3 years and spawns in July–August, laying 300,000–400,000 eggs. While not as tasty as mackerel, it’s widely consumed.
Common in the Aegean and Mediterranean, this fish can grow up to 1 meter. It prefers shallow rocky and gravelly waters and spawns in May–June. A predatory carnivorous fish, it’s highly valued for its delicious meat and regional economic worth.
Also called “spotted snapper,” it lives between 100–300 meters in the Aegean and Mediterranean. It feeds on crustaceans, invertebrates, and sea vegetation. It grows 30–50 cm and is hermaphroditic. It spawns in spring and is prized for its crisp, flavorful meat and high market value.
From the perch family, this non-migratory fish is found in the Aegean and estuaries where rivers meet the sea. Juveniles live in groups, adults alone. Prefers shady areas like shipwrecks and rock crevices. It lives up to 20 years and can reach 50 cm to 1 meter, weighing 10–12 kg. Below 40 cm, it’s called “ispendek.” It spawns between January and March, producing large quantities of eggs. A delicious and economically valuable fish.
A migratory species found between the Black Sea and Aegean. It’s named differently by size. It spawns in late spring and early summer, inhabiting depths up to 200 meters. It’s especially tasty in autumn and winter, and very valuable commercially.
Common near coasts and river mouths in warm areas, also found in inland waters like lakes. It lives in schools. Types include “has kefal,” “altınbaş kefal,” “topbaş kefal,” “mavi kefal,” and “dudaklı kefal.”
A member of the grouper family, related to sea bass. Typically 60–70 cm, can grow up to 1.5 meters and 40 kg. Found in rocky and vegetated areas between 8 and 150 meters in the Aegean and Mediterranean. A carnivorous fish, it feeds on crustaceans and mollusks. Its meat is delicious, though older fish may be dry and fibrous. Overfished by spear hunters.
One of the world’s most valuable fish, found globally and in Turkish seas. It can grow up to 3–4 meters and weigh between 100 and 800 kg. A fast, migratory fish, it travels at 40–60 km/h in upper waters. Spawning from March to August, it lays around 1 million eggs. Lives about 15 years and is highly prized in the food industry.
Sardines form schools, living at moderate depths in summer and deeper waters in winter. They average 15 cm, maxing out at 22 cm. They feed on plankton and juvenile fish. Abundant in the Black Sea, Marmara, and Northern Aegean. Economically important and widely used due to their flavorful meat. Spawn multiple times from April to September, laying ~20,000 eggs each time.
From the seabream family, a fierce, active, and strong Aegean fish. Can grow 1–1.5 meters and weigh 10–15 kg. Feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, and especially squid. Its strong jaws can break lobster shells. Lives in coastal rocky areas in summer, in deep waters (up to 300 meters) in winter. Spawns in spring and is highly valued for its rarity and taste.
Grows up to 35 cm, lives in schools, and migrates long distances for feeding and spawning. It feeds on sea vegetation and small crustaceans in coastal areas. Belongs to the Sparidae family, which includes many fish living in Turkish seas.
Found in all seas except the Black Sea, mostly in summer. Grows 15–35 cm. Lives in sandy, muddy, and rocky bottoms at depths of 3–100 meters. Feeds on bottom-dwelling crustaceans and small marine organisms. Spawns in summer, laying eggs at 10–60 meters. Famous for its taste since Roman times, and economically significant.
Native to the Aegean Sea. Found in warm waters, it lives alone in vegetated sandy and rocky areas at depths of 20–25 meters, descending to 150 meters in winter. Typically 30–50 cm, with records up to 75 cm. Has strong jaws and…
