douradas

Douradas is the common Portuguese name for Sparus aurata, a marine fish in the family Sparidae, widely known in English as the gilthead seabream. It is native to the eastern Atlantic from Portugal to Morocco and to the Mediterranean Sea, with occasional appearances in the Black Sea. The species inhabits shallow coastal waters, seagrass beds, rocky reefs, and estuaries, usually at modest depths, and is a target for both artisanal and commercial fisheries as well as aquaculture operations.

Physically, douradas have a laterally compressed body with a silvery color and golden tones on the head and upper flanks, accented by a distinctive dark blotch on or near the gill cover. They commonly reach 30–40 cm in length, with individuals up to around 60 cm reported. Their diet is omnivorous, including mollusks, crustaceans, small fish, algae, and other benthic organisms.

Reproduction in douradas is protandrous hermaphroditism: individuals typically mature as males and some later change to females as they grow. Spawning mainly occurs in warmer months in coastal areas, contributing to their seasonal recruitment in shallow habitats.

Economically, douradas are both harvested from the wild and raised in aquaculture, making them one of the most important commercial fish in the Mediterranean and adjacent Atlantic regions. They are valued for their white, firm flesh with a mild flavor and are commonly prepared grilled, baked, or pan-fried, contributing to regional cuisines and markets. The species is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and extensive harvest and farming.