The Mediterranean Sea is one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems, hosting a wide variety of fish species due to its warm and temperate climate. Many species found here also inhabit the Aegean and Marmara Seas.
Red mullet live in muddy and sandy areas at depths of up to 300 meters, usually in schools. Their average length is 12–15 cm, with some reaching up to 40 cm. Their reddish-pink color makes them easy to recognize. Red mullet are migratory, depending on sea temperatures, and spawn between April and June, laying 15,000–100,000 eggs. Their meat is highly prized and economically valuable. There are several subtypes, such as the rock mullet, the most valued.
This is one of the most well-known Mediterranean fish. It averages 25–35 cm in length and can weigh from 500 g to 3 kg. The largest recorded specimen was 60 cm and 6 kg. A carnivorous species, it feeds on small fish and shellfish. Gilt-head bream live in shallow waters during summer and move to deeper waters (35–40 m) in winter. They spawn between October and December, producing up to 150,000 eggs. They are also widely farmed and are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine.
Often confused with red porgy, this member of the seabream family lives near rocky seabeds at depths between 20–200 meters. Its average size is 25–35 cm, reaching up to 60 cm. It feeds on mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. Its spawning season runs from spring through summer. This species is one of the tastiest among Mediterranean fish and is of moderate commercial value.
Also found in the Aegean, this species prefers warm coastal areas and grows to 20 cm. It feeds on shrimp, marine worms, algae, and small fish. White seabream are seasonal migrators and spawn from spring to late summer. Their meat is tasty and they are commonly found in markets.
A venomous species with spiny fins resembling those of a scorpion. While smaller than the greater weever, scorpionfish are highly valued for their firm, flavorful meat. Care should be taken when handling due to their venomous spines.
Mostly found in the Black Sea, turbot can occasionally be seen in the Mediterranean. It is a bottom-dwelling fish that lives at depths between 10 and 400 meters. Turbot can grow up to 1 meter long and live for 25–30 years. It is carnivorous, with a high commercial value. Its spawning season is between April and June.
Widespread in all Turkish seas, especially the Aegean and Marmara. It lives in rocky coastal waters and forms schools. They spawn from spring to early summer. Easily available, black seabream is affordable, delicious, and in high demand.
A deep-sea seabream species found between 400–700 meters, particularly in the Mediterranean. It lives near the bottom and grows up to 35–40 cm. Spawning season lasts from spring to late summer, depending on sea temperature. It feeds on small fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. Its meat is flavorful and economically significant.
Common in all Turkish seas but more abundant in the Marmara. It resembles the mackerel but differs in several features. It forms large schools and feeds on plankton and fry. Mature females lay 300,000–400,000 eggs in summer. Though not as tasty as mackerel, it’s widely consumed.
Known as “Grida” or “Lahoz,” it is a powerful predator in the Mediterranean. Found near rocky or pebbly coasts, it grows up to 1 meter long. Its spawning season is May–June. Highly valued for its delicious meat and has significant regional importance.
Also called “Mandagöz” or “spotted seabream”, this species lives at depths between 100–300 meters. It’s a hermaphroditic fish that feeds on invertebrates and algae. It spawns in spring, depending on water temperature. Its flaky meat is highly appreciated, making it economically valuable.
A solitary predator often found in estuaries and rocky shores. Juveniles form schools, but adults are more solitary. They grow up to 1 meter and can weigh 10–12 kg. Spawning occurs between January and March. Seabass is one of the most commercially farmed fish due to its delicious taste.
A fast, migratory predator found between the Aegean and Black Sea. Bluefish have various names depending on their size. They spawn in late spring and early summer and live in waters up to 200 meters deep. Their flavor peaks in autumn and winter. Highly prized and economically valuable.
This species lives near warm, shallow shores and estuaries. There are several types of mullet in the Mediterranean, including golden grey and thicklip. They are schooling fish and commonly seen year-round. Though their meat is less delicate, they are widely consumed.
A relative of the seabass, the grouper grows up to 1.5 meters and 40 kg. They prefer rocky and weedy coastal zones between 8–150 meters deep. Solitary by nature, they feed on crustaceans and mollusks. Due to overfishing, they have become rare despite their high value.
A giant of the Mediterranean, this powerful fish can grow 3–4 meters long and weigh over 800 kg. Bluefin tuna live in schools and migrate long distances at speeds up to 60 km/h. Spawning occurs between March and August. With an average lifespan of 15 years, it is one of the most commercially valuable fish in the world.
A small, migratory species found in great numbers in the Northern Mediterranean. Sardines live in schools at medium depth in summer and deeper waters in winter. They reach up to 22 cm and feed on plankton. They spawn multiple times between April and September, producing around 20,000 eggs each time.
A fierce and fast member of the seabream family, dentex can grow up to 1.5 meters and 15 kg. With powerful jaws, it preys on shellfish and squid. In summer, it lives near rocky shores; in winter, it retreats to depths up to 300 meters. Spawning occurs in spring. Its rarity and taste make it one of the most sought-after fish.
A migratory fish that grows up to 35 cm, it travels long distances for spawning and feeding. It lives in coastal zones feeding on sea plants and small invertebrates. It belongs to the Sparidae family, which includes many other Mediterranean species.
Found mostly in the Mediterranean and Aegean, it lives in sandy and rocky areas between 3–100 meters deep. It reaches 15–35 cm in length. Its diet includes bottom-dwelling crustaceans and worms. It spawns in summer and is highly appreciated for its delicate taste.
A solitary fish that lives in 20–25 meter-deep waters with algae-covered rocks and sand. In winter, it moves deeper to 150 meters. It usually grows up to 50 cm. A hermaphroditic species with a strong jaw, it preys on crustaceans. Once overfished, it’s now harder to find but highly valued.
A fast swimmer with a long, needle-like body that grows up to 1 meter. It feeds on small fish like anchovies and sprats. Agile and acrobatic, garfish leap above the water to escape predators like swordfish. Its meat is tasty and unique.
