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Castaneta (Nemadactylus bergi) — Cheilodactylidae

Castaneta

Nemadactylus bergi

The Castaneta (Nemadactylus bergi) is a saltwater fish of the family Cheilodactylidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
39.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The castaneta is a morwong (Latridae) from the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The species has a fairly deep, silvery body with elongate lower pectoral fin rays with which it feels the bottom. It lives near the bottom on the continental shelf. As a bottom hunter it feeds on bottom invertebrates such as worms, crustaceans and molluscs. It is a commercial food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Castaneta?

The Castaneta has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Castaneta live?

The Castaneta lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Castaneta get?

The Castaneta grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.

Is the Castaneta dangerous to humans?

No, the Castaneta is harmless to humans.

Is the Castaneta edible?

Yes, the Castaneta is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Argentijnse kastanjevis sourced
English name
Castaneta verified
Scientific name
Nemadactylus bergi
Family
Cheilodactylidae
Other names
Hawkfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
39.5 verified
Average length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Nemadactylus

More from the family Cheilodactylidae

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