Common Bream
Abramis brama
See inset - protruding lips and spawning rash of the mature fish
Details
Slab sided and humped back, often covered with slime.
Much loved by match anglers who can put together some extremely large weights.
In more recent times domesticated carp seem to have taken over as the No.1 target for large match weights.
Somehow I think some of the magic has gone, although it has to be said that these match venues full of carp spread the odds on winning more evenly.
Unfortunately some of them are set in poor surroundings. These do not have the magic of the old Capability Brown type lakes that are set in the most beautiful of surroundings.
Slow growers but can live for 25 years and can reach weights around 14 lbs(6.44Kg).
Average weight - Up to 5.lbs(2.3 kg).
Specimen fish - 6.lbs(2.76 kg)and over.
Colouring
Back = Dark Brown
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Flanks = Silver/Grey or Bronze.
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Underside = Off White
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Fins = Blue/Grey
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The older the specimen the darker its colouring.
Habitat
Bream prefer slower deeper waters with lots of vegetation, however they can be found in almost any lake,river and canal etc.
They patrol the waters in large shoals, their routine is often predictable visiting various spots in an unchanging sequence every year.
Strictly bottom feeders they follow a leader to a predetermined area usually well away from the bank, there they will feed greedily, often stirring up the bottom releasing gases and small particles which can be observed on the surface of the water.
Natural foods are Zoo plankton and Benthic fauna, found in the soft mud.
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