Yellowbelly Rockcod

SANBI IDentifyIt - Species Yellowbelly Rockcod - Epinephelus marginatus Family Serranidae Other names Dusky grouper; Yellowbelly grouper Geographic location / distribution Eastern Atlantic and Western Indian Ocean: throughout the Mediterranean Sea and from the British Isles round to the Southern tip of Africa to southern Mozambique and Madagascar. Southwest Atlantic: southeastern Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina Fishing method Yellowbelly rockcod are mainly caught in the traditional linefishery which operates from small ski- and deckboats within the inshore zone along most of the South African coastline, they are also a popular target of recreational linefishers and spearfishers. Linefishing is a relatively selective fishing method which has few impacts on the marine environment and is carried out with either a rod and reel or a handline. There is generally very little bycatch or habitat damage caused by this fishing method. However, some species targeted by this fishery are over-exploited or collapsed because of their specific life history characteristics. Maturity and Sizes Max. length: 150cm Max. weight: 60kg Max. age: 50 years Physical description The Yellowbelly Rockcod is an extremely large fish with an oval body, big head, wide mouth and protruding lower jaw used to catch its prey. It has one long dorsal fin (on the back) with 11 prominent spines and a rounded caudal (tail) fin. There are three spines on the operculum (the flap of skin protecting a fish's gills). Covered with small scales, the base colour of this sizeable fish varies but is generally a grey-brown to green colour with mottled pale markings. The belly and chin are usually yellow and the fins may be edged in yellow or orange. The large mouth bears several rows of fine, backward-folding teeth in addition to a number of large canines. The latin name, Epinephelus , loosely translates to ‘with clouds on it’, referring to these distinctive pale blotches. Males display a conspicuous silver streaked pattern during reproductive activity. Other similar species Epinephelus albomarginatus - White-edged Rockcod MLRA Size limit: The minimum size limit is 60cm for recreational and commercial fishers. Bag limit: 1 Threats Overexploitation from commercial fishing is the primary threat. Their slow growth, late sexual maturity (6-8 years) and protogyny (changing sex from female to male at 15-17 years), all make them vulnerable to the pressures of overfishing. References Fish Base http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?ID=6470&AT=Dusky+Grouper WWF SASSI: www.wwfsassi.co.za Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epinephelus_marginatus Arkive www.arkive.org/dusky-grouper/epinephelus-marginatus/#text=Description PHOTO: J.E. Randall www.fishbase.org

PHOTO: J.E. Randall www.fishbase.org

PHOTO: Colin Thompson PHOTO: www.biomareweb.org

PHOTO: www.aquaworld-crete.com/fish.html

PHOTO: www.thejump.ne/id/dusky-grouper.htm Yellowbelly Rockcod Identification Copyright/Website: TRAFFIC