Sea Bream

Farmed Sea Bream (also known as "çipura") is one of the most widely consumed seafood options in Turkey.
It is abundantly farmed along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and is easily available in markets and fishmongers nearly all year round.

While there are some minor differences compared to wild sea bream, it remains a tasty, practical, and nutritious fish.

General Information

Latin Name: Sparus aurata
Family: Sparidae (Sea bream family)
Habitat: Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic; both wild and farmed
Farmed in Turkey: Coastal areas of Muğla, Aydın, İzmir, and Antalya
Size: Usually sold between 300–600 grams; larger ones can exceed 1 kg

Nutritional Value (per 100 g):

Calories: 100–130 kcal
Protein: 18–20 g
Fat: 4–7 g
Omega-3: Moderate level
Vitamins: B12, D, B6
Minerals: Selenium, phosphorus, iodine

Farmed gilt-head bream may contain slightly more fat than wild ones due to feed-based nutrition. However, its nutritional value remains very high.

Other Feature

Farmed vs Wild Gilt-head Bream

Feature Farmed Gilt-head Bream Wild Gilt-head Bream
Price More affordable More expensive
Taste Mild and balanced More distinctive, slight sea aroma
Fat Content Slightly higher Lower
Availability All year round Mostly in autumn/winter