Sandelia capensis (Cuvier, 1829)
Cape kurper
Sandelia capensis
photo by Cambray, J.A.

Family:  Anabantidae (Climbing gouramies)
Max. size:  20 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: southern and southwestern Cape coastal rivers from the Coega River (Algoa Bay) to the Cape Flats and north to the Verlorenvlei. Introduced into the Clanwilliam Olifants system.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Hardy, occurs in various habitats. Favors quiet or slow-flowing water and plant or root cover. Feeds on insects and other invertebrates and small fish. Breeds in summer; males defend a breeding territory and guard the eggs which are scattered and sticking to the bottom. Many populations have declined and are threatened by habitat destruction and predation from introduced bass (Ref. 7248).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 04 December 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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