Cape knifejaw
The Cape knifejaw can be found from False Bay to Aliwal Shoal in KwaZulu-Natal. This medium-sized fish is ovalshaped and has a parrot-like beak and a grey head and body, with a dark mask around the eyes. Juveniles are yelloworange in colour with two distinctive black bars in the front and back of the body.
Size and biology
They grow slowly, reach a maximum length of 90 cm, and live to about 13 years. Spawning takes place throughout the year, with peak spawning occurring in spring.
Habitat
Adults can be found in depths of 5 to 32 m. It appears adults choose a mate and then stay close to a particular reef. Juveniles are found on shallow inshore reefs, tidal pools or beneath floating objects at sea.
Catch me if you can
This omnivore feeds on red and green algae, sponges and acidians. It’s an easy fish for spear fisherman to catch, particularly in the Eastern Cape. It is inquisitive by nature, making them an easy target.
That’s a record
A fish of 5,8 kg, caught by a spear fisherman in 1961.
SASSI status
You’re allowed to catch five per day (any size) and take it home.