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Cape stumpnose (Rhabdosargus holubi) — Sparidae

Cape stumpnose

Rhabdosargus holubi
Family: Sparidae

The Cape stumpnose (Rhabdosargus holubi) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Water
Brackish
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Cape stumpnose is a seabream (Sparidae) from coastal and brackish water of southern Africa. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a deep, silvery body with a yellowish tinge, a blunt head and strong molars. Juveniles live in estuaries and graze seagrass, adults migrate to sea. It eats molluscs, crustaceans and algae. It is a valued angling fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cape stumpnose?

The Cape stumpnose has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Cape stumpnose live?

The Cape stumpnose lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Cape stumpnose get?

The Cape stumpnose grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.

Is the Cape stumpnose dangerous to humans?

No, the Cape stumpnose is harmless to humans.

Is the Cape stumpnose edible?

Yes, the Cape stumpnose is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kaapse stompneus sourced
English name
Cape stumpnose sourced
Scientific name
Rhabdosargus holubi
Family
Sparidae
Other names
Cape stumpnose verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
40.0 verified
Average length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Rhabdosargus

More from the family Sparidae

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