Sarpa salpa, known commonly as the dreamfish or cow bream, is a member of the sea bream family, easily recognisable by the golden stripes that run down the length of its body. Like most of the sea bream species, it is well-known for its fine meat and for its combativeness; unlike others, however, the cow breams often move in flocks composed of many specimens.
These fish gather to find nourishment in the flora close to the coast and often near piers and reefs, for this reason they are also called cows of the sea.
A bit of history
The hallucinogenic effects of the salpa have been known since ancient times, when they were consumed by the ancient Romans as a hallucinogenic drug – hence its other common name, dreamfish. It is, in fact, the head that causes these incredible effects, while apparently eating the rest of the body has no contraindications. The origin of the hallucinations have been attributed to a particular type of algae upon which the animal feeds – but only if the little fish has consumed really high doses. The effects can last up to 36 hours!
Another interesting feature of the salpa is the fact that it is a hermaphrodite: the fish is born male and then, with growth, becomes a female. It is not the only one though! (find out more).
Other amazing powers, but in this case aphrodisiacal, are instead attributed to the Red mullet.
