Red / Copper Steenbras

Digital Painting
Please contact craig@wildlifeartist.co.za for enquiries
© Craig Bertram Smith

Also known as red steenbras, this unmistakable sea bream is the largest species in the Sparidae family and is endemic to the South and East coast of South Africa. Unfortunately their numbers are critically low and every encounter with this animal is to be responded with care and respect.

For many years I have admired the red steenbras and always thought that it would be a great species to paint in some way. At the depths that they are naturally found, their characteristic colours are not visible but a specimen brought out of the water boasts a stunning display of copper / yellow, black and even splashes of purple and red around the head.