🐟 Most Common Fish Species
The types of fish in Montenegro are diverse and abundant, thanks to the country’s mix of Adriatic coastline, rivers, and freshwater lakes. Whether you’re a local angler, tourist, or casual fisherman, it’s helpful to know which fish you’re most likely to encounter in Montenegrin waters.
This guide covers the 15 most common types of fish in Montenegro – both saltwater and freshwater – along with local and scientific names.
🌊 Top Saltwater Fish Species in Montenegro
Montenegro offers excellent conditions for sea fishing, from rocky shores to mussel farms and deeper offshore spots. The types of fish in Montenegro, when it comes to the Adriatic Sea, include:
1. Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata)
The “queen” of the Adriatic. Often caught near mussel farms and shallow rocky areas.
📸 Caught in Boka Bay – Local fishing, Montenegro
2. European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Can be caught year-round, especially near the shore and river mouths.
3. Atlantic Bonito (Sarda sarda)
Fast and powerful, this predator is often found in deeper waters during late summer and early autumn.
4. Common Dentex (Dentex dentex)
One of the most prized fish in Montenegro. Strong fighter, found around rocky seabeds.
5. Scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa)
Stays in deeper areas and provides an intense fight when hooked.
6. Grey Mullet (Mugil cephalus)
Common near harbors and calm bays. Often caught using bread or dough as bait.
7. Common Pandora (Pagellus erythrinus)
Easy to catch and popular among beginner anglers.
8. Amberjack (Seriola dumerili)
Large offshore predator – challenging and exciting to catch.
9. Salema (Sarpa salpa)
A herbivore that enters fish traps (vrše) and is active during summer.
📸 Caught in Boka Bay – Local trap fishing
10. Conger Eel (Conger conger)
Nocturnal and elusive, found between rocks and holes along the seabed.
🔗 Best Time to Fish the Adriatic – Moon Phases, Tides, and Tips
Moon phases and tides significantly affect fishing success. Learn how to choose the right time based on nature’s rhythm.
🏞️ Most Common Freshwater Fish Species in Montenegro
Beyond the coastline, Montenegro is also rich in freshwater habitats. These types of fish in Montenegro are commonly found in rivers, lakes, and mountain streams.
1. Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Most common in Skadar Lake and the Zeta River basin.
📸 Source: Manfred Werner – Tsui, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
2. Brown Trout (Salmo trutta fario)
Found in mountain rivers like Tara, Morača, and Komarnica.
3. Northern Pike (Esox lucius)
A strong freshwater predator with sudden attacks.
📸 Source: Marcinławnik, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
4. European Eel (Anguilla anguilla)
A migratory and elusive species found in Skadar Lake and Bojana River.
5. European Perch (Perca fluviatilis)
Aggressive and fun to catch, mostly found in lowland rivers and artificial lakes.
🔗 Fly Fishing in Montenegro – Complete Guide for Beginners
If you’re into freshwater fishing, especially trout, check out our detailed fly fishing guide for top rivers, seasons, and recommended gear.
🎓 Why It’s Important to Know the Types of Fish in Montenegro
Understanding the types of fish in Montenegro is not only useful for fishing success but also for respecting legal limits and protecting the ecosystem. Some species are protected or have seasonal bans. Correctly identifying fish helps you apply the right technique and avoid fines or ecological damage.
📍 Where to Find These Fish in Montenegro
- Saltwater species are found all along the Adriatic coast, especially in Boka Bay, near reefs, and around aquaculture zones.
- Freshwater species are present in rivers like Morača, Zeta, Tara, and Lim, and in lakes such as Skadar, Plav, and Biogradsko.
🔗 Fishing in the Bay of Kotor – Species, Spots & Tips
Curious about the most common fish in Boka Bay and how to catch them? This guide focuses on one of the richest fishing zones in Montenegro.
🌐 External Source
👉 FishBase.org – Global scientific database of fish species
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🎣 Final Thoughts
Knowing the types of fish in Montenegro will help you fish more successfully and responsibly. From deep sea species to freshwater legends like trout and carp – Montenegro offers something for every angler.
🎣 Stay tuned – we’re publishing detailed species guides soon, including when, where, and how to catch each one!
