Mild meagre
📖 Overview
Between the Kei River and Cape Agulhas, this species rarely enters estuaries or the surf zone, but becomes more abundant in the surf zone on the west coast of South Africa. Restricted to a depth of 1-20 m in Namibia, apparently due to anoxic conditions beyond this depth. Highly regarded as a table fish. Marketed mostly fresh, but sometimes frozen .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25 - 29; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 7 - 8; Vertebrae: 25. Swim bladder carrot-shaped with 31-42 arborescent appendages, the latero-anterior limb of appendages present throughout length of bladder; drumming muscles present only in males; urinary bladders rudimentary; sagitta elongate with pronounced bulge in posterior third of ventral margin; pectoral fin axillary fold naked; peritoneum unpigmented; anterior part of lateral line slightly curved.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Mild meagre is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; benthopelagic; oceanodromous ; depth range 1 - 100 m . Subtropical; 17°S - 38°S, 11°E - 29°E Southeast Atlantic: Namibia southwards around the Cape of Good Hope and northwards at least as far as the Kei River in South Africa.
🌿 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
"Argyrosomus Inodorus 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 | 19.3 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 299 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Mild 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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