Fin's Fish Guide
The Cape elephantfish (Callorhinchus capensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Callorhinchidae that grows up to 122 cm.
Description
The Cape elephantfish is a plownose chimaera (Callorhinchidae), a cartilaginous fish related to the sharks and rays, from the coastal waters around southern Africa. The species has a smooth, silvery-grey body and a conspicuous, plough-share-like appendage on the snout with which it probes the bottom for prey. It occurs from close inshore and shallow bays to the slope. It feeds on small fishes and a wide variety of bottom invertebrates, such as molluscs and crustaceans. It lays egg capsules. In front of the first dorsal fin it bears a venomous spine that can give a painful wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cape elephantfish?
The Cape elephantfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Ploughshare-like snout appendage for probing the bottom; venomous dorsal fin spine.
Where does the Cape elephantfish live?
The Cape elephantfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Coastal waters around southern Africa; from inshore bays to the slope.
How big does the Cape elephantfish get?
The Cape elephantfish grows to a maximum of about 122 cm.
Is the Cape elephantfish dangerous to humans?
The Cape elephantfish can cause injury; handle it with care. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Cape elephantfish edible?
Yes, the Cape elephantfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Callorhinchus
More from the family Callorhinchidae
Want the complete picture on the Cape elephantfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cape elephantfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.