Southern meagre
📖 Overview
Found in lower reaches of rivers, estuaries, rocky reefs, ocean beaches and on the continental shelf down to 150 m . Caught near the bottom and in mid-water. Feed mainly at night or in turbid waters , preying on cuttlefish , fishes, crabs, prawns, and worms .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26 - 30; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 7. Body silvery; fins grey or brown; upper end of pectoral base with a black blotch .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Southern meagre is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; demersal; depth range ? - 400 m , usually 15 - 150 m . Subtropical; 13°C - 24°C ; 11°N - 27°S, 43°E - 51°E South Africa" (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Southern meagre is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 355 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Southern meagre has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (lean white fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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