White steenbras (Lithognathus lithognathus) fish species and information / pictures of White steenbras - Lithognathus lithognathus

White steenbras (Lithognathus lithognathus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Lithognathus lithognathus

Common Name
White steenbras

Biology
Found over sandy substrate, in estuaries and oceanic waters. Enters lagoons (Ref. 3198). Feeds bottom invertebrates, including worms, crabs and shrimp (Ref. 27121). Spawns in the sea but uses estuaries as nursery grounds. Prime angling fish. Important food fish. Sold fresh and whole in markets.

Classification

Classified By
Cuvier, 1829
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Perch-like fish (Perciformes)
Family
Porgies (Sparidae)

Distribution

Region
Southeast Atlantic
Distribution
Southeast Atlantic: known only from the Orange River mouth to Natal, South Africa.
Range
22°S - 31°S

Environment

Climate
Subtropical
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
150 m
Zone
benthopelagic
Environment
Marine; brackish; benthopelagic; amphidromous (Ref. 51243); depth range ? - 150 m (Ref. 27121)
Trophic Level
2.92 s.e. 0.40 Based on diet studies.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
True
Occurs in Brackish water
True
Occurs in Fresh Water
False
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
200 cm
Common Length
65.0 cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5625 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes
Vulnerability
High to very high vulnerability (72 of 100)
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (K=0.1)
Threat To Humans
  Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
  Lower Risk: conservation dependent (LR/cd)