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Cape kurper (Sandelia capensis) — Anabantidae

Cape kurper

Sandelia capensis
Family: Anabantidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Cape kurper (Sandelia capensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Anabantidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The Cape kurper is an African climbing perch (Anabantidae) from southern Africa. The species has a stocky, brownish body whose colour it can adapt to the surroundings. It is hardy and occurs in various habitats, but prefers quiet or slow-flowing water with vegetation or roots for cover. As an ambush hunter it takes insects, small crustaceans and small fishes. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cape kurper?

The Cape kurper has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Cape kurper live?

The Cape kurper lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Cape kurper get?

The Cape kurper grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Cape kurper dangerous to humans?

No, the Cape kurper is harmless to humans.

Is the Cape kurper edible?

The Cape kurper is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kaapse kurper sourced
English name
Cape kurper verified
Scientific name
Sandelia capensis
Family
Anabantidae
Other names
Cape kurper verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Rounded 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
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely 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 Sandelia

More from the family Anabantidae

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