| Family: |
Sparidae (Porgies) |
| Max. size: |
200 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; brackish; marine; depth range - 150 m, amphidromous |
| Distribution: |
Southeast Atlantic: known only from the Orange River mouth to Natal, South Africa. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Silvery in color, crossbars fade with age. |
| Biology: |
Found over sandy substrate, in estuaries and oceanic waters. Enters lagoons (Ref. 3198). Feeds bottom invertebrates, including worms, crabs and shrimp (Ref. 27121). Spawns in the sea but uses estuaries as nursery grounds. Prime angling fish. Important food fish. Sold fresh and whole in markets. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 04 December 2009 (A2bcd; B2ab(ii,v)) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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