Zeus capensis Valenciennes, 1835
Cape dory
Zeus capensis
photo by SFSA

Family:  Zeidae (Dories)
Max. size:  90 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 35 - 200 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Mozambique (Ref. 5213) around the Cape to St. Helena Bay, South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-24; Anal spines: 4-4; Anal soft rays: 20-22. Silvery grey in color; indistinct dusky spot on or above LL and below front of soft dorsal (Ref. 4253). Gill rakers rudimentary.
Biology:  Found near the bottom or in midwater. Feeds on a variety of fishes, cephalopods and crustaceans. An excellent foodfish. Sold fresh or frozen in markets.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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