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Cymatoceps nasutus (Castelnau, 1861) Black musselcracker |
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photo by
Polack, D. |
| Family: | Sparidae (Porgies) | |||
| Max. size: | 150 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 34 kg | |||
| Environment: | demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 1 - 80 m | |||
| Distribution: | Western Indian Ocean: Natal to the Cape in South Africa. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Adults with a large fleshy 'nose'. | |||
| Biology: | Inhabits shallow, rocky coastal areas to 80 m depth. Rarely enters estuaries. Feeds on crabs, crayfish, sea urchins and other hard-shelled animals (Ref. 3670). Takes almost any bait (Ref. 3198). Important food fish. Head considered a delicacy in some areas (Ref. 3198). It is parasitised by the monogenean Anoplodiscus cirrusspiralis on the fins and body surface (Ref. 124057). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 11 July 2024 (A2bd) Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||