Black musselcracker (Cymatoceps nasutus) fish species and information / pictures of Black musselcracker - Cymatoceps nasutus

Black musselcracker (Cymatoceps nasutus) fish species information

Scientific Name
Cymatoceps nasutus

Common Name
Black musselcracker

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).

Classification

Classified By
Castelnau, 1861
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Perch-like fish (Perciformes)
Family
Porgies (Sparidae)

Distribution

Region
Western Indian Ocean
Distribution
Western Indian Ocean: Natal to the Cape in South Africa.
Range
22°S - 35°S

Environment

Climate
Subtropical
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
80 m
Zone
demersal
Environment
Marine; brackish; demersal; depth range ? - 80 m (Ref. 3507)
Trophic Level
3.56 s.e. 0.40 Based on food items.
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
150 cm
Common Length
Unknown cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 1.0000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes
Vulnerability
Very high vulnerability (76 of 100)
Resilience
Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (K=0.05; tmax=45)
Threat To Humans
  Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
  Not Evaluated