Oplegnathus conwayi Richardson, 1840
Cape knifejaw
Oplegnathus conwayi
photo by Koch, R.J.

Family:  Oplegnathidae (Knifejaws)
Max. size:  90 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 150 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-13
Biology:  Found in coastal waters down at a depth of about 150 m. Adults found near reefs, juveniles found near floating objects. Feed on benthic invertebrates and algae (Ref. 5213). May live longer than 10 years. Spawning occurs throughout the year (Ref. 57746). Rarely hooked but easily speared (Ref. 4387).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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