| Family: |
Oplegnathidae (Knifejaws) |
| Max. size: |
60 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 20 - 100 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Indian Ocean: occurs only in Mozambique and Natal, South Africa. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20-24; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 14-17. Adults dark grey in color; juveniles yellow with black bars (very similar to young Diplodus cervinus hottentotus. |
| Biology: |
Occur in coastal rocky and coral reefs to a depth of 100 m; juveniles pelagic in currents (Ref. 4332). Benthic omnivores. May live longer than 10 years. Spawning occurs throughout the year (Ref. 57746). Marketed fresh (Ref. 9660). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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