Teleostei (teleosts) >
Centrarchiformes (Basses) >
Latridae (Trumpeters)
Etymology: Chirodactylus: Greek, cheir = hand + Greek, daktylos = finger (Ref. 45335); for the long, unbranched lower pectoral fin rays (Ref. 120445).
Eponymy: Jessica and her husband Len Jones (1935–2017) were anglers, divers and artists. [...] (Ref. 128868), visit book page.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 20 m (Ref. 5319). Subtropical; 28°S - 35°S
Western Indian Ocean: South Africa.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 50.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 5319); common length : 30.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 9492)
Inhabits coastal waters from the shore line to at least 20 m depth (Ref. 9492). Prefers rocky banks (Ref. 12484). Diurnal (Ref. 12484). Feeds mainly on small, benthic invertebrates (marine worms, crabs and mollusks), but also squid and small fish (Ref. 12484). Mainly caught with spears (Ref. 9492). Marketed fresh, whole (Ref. 9492).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Smith, M.M., 1986. Cheilodactylidae. p. 667-668. In M.M. Smith and P.C. Heemstra (eds.) Smiths' sea fishes. Springer-Verlag, Berlin. (Ref. 5319)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2024-1)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes
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Estimates based on models
Preferred temperature (Ref.
123201): 18.6 - 23.9, mean 21.9 °C (based on 40 cells).
Phylogenetic diversity index (Ref.
82804): PD
50 = 0.6250 [Uniqueness, from 0.5 = low to 2.0 = high].
Bayesian length-weight: a=0.01175 (0.00550 - 0.02508), b=3.04 (2.85 - 3.23), in cm total length, based on LWR estimates for this (Sub)family-body shape (Ref.
93245).
Trophic level (Ref.
69278): 3.8 ±0.53 se; based on food items.
Resilience (Ref.
120179): Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.).
Fishing Vulnerability (Ref.
59153): Moderate vulnerability (40 of 100).