Mussel Cracker Seabream

Faint stripes on a greyish body; bluish glow while in water (Ref. 3198).

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 10

Inhabits shallow coastal waters, mainly off rocky shores down to 80 m depth. Rarely enters estuaries. Young commonly found in tide pools. Feeds mainly on mollusks (Ref. 5213). An important food fish.

fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes

One of the best known angling fishes of South Africa. Inhabits shallow coastal waters, mainly off rocky shores down to 80 m depth. Young occur in tidal pools along the southern and southeastern coasts of South Africa, from October to January. Feeds mainly on molluscs (Ref. 5213). An important foodfish.