The Sparidae, commonly known as breams and porgies, is a family of fishes of the order Perciformes, and includes about 115 species of mainly marine coastal fish of high economic value, exploited and farmed for human consumption, as well as for recreational purposes. This landmark publication brings together a huge wealth of information on the biology and culture of gilthead sea bream and other Sparidae species. Commencing with an overview of the current status of aquaculture of Sparidae, the book continues with comprehensive coverage of the family's phylogeny, evolution and taxonomy, stress and welfare issues, and reproduction and broodstock management. Further chapters include coverage of early development and metabolism, production systems, nutrition, quality, and health management. A final cutting-edge chapter looks at genomic-proteomic research in Sparidae and its application to genetic improvement. With contributions from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australasia and North America, carefully drawn together and edited by Professor M. Pavlidis and Dr C. C. Mylonas, themselves well known for their work in this area, Sparidae is an essential purchase for anyone working with this important family of fishes. Fish biologists, fish farmers, aquaculture researchers, and fisheries managers will all find much of great use and interest within this book's covers. All universities and research establishments where biological sciences, aquaculture and fisheries science are studied and taught should have copies of this excellent book on their shelves.