Facts: The Bogue (Boop Boops Fish)

The bogue, also known as the boops-boops fish, or more scientifically as boops-boops, is a species of sea bream that can be found in the coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic from southern Norway to Angola in central Africa. These fish are common throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea. They are also reported to be present in the western Atlantic Ocean, in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They can occur from the surface to 1,150 feet or deeper, but they are most common at depths of less than 500 feet. They are usually found near the seafloor over a variety of substrates, such as sand, mud, rocks, and seaweeds. The fish have three to five weak stripes on their body. There is a black spot at the pectoral fin base. Bogue move in aggregations, ascending closer to the surface at night. They feed mainly on crustaceans, along with plankton. They reach maturity at around 5 inches long. Their maximum recorded size is 16 inches. They attain their maximum size slowly. There is some evidence of hermaphroditism in this species, but the prevalence is unclear. Spawning may take place from January to May, depending on their location. They are estimated to live 11 years or more. Bogue can be quite abundant, and they are fished in some areas of their range. They are consumed fresh, frozen, dried, or smoked. They may also be used for fish meal, oil, and bait. For more marine facts, click the SUBSCRIBE button!!