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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Subtropical

Cape scaldfish

Arnoglossus capensis Boulenger, 1898
Max Length
20 cm
Max Weight
Lifespan
Trophic Level
3.6
Depth
1–200 m
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
35.00/100
Typical Length
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Overview information for Cape scaldfish is currently being compiled by our editorial team.

Scientific Name
Arnoglossus capensis
Authority
Boulenger, 1898
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Subtropical
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
20 cm
Depth Range
1–200 m
Latitude
35°S – 20°N
Trophic Level
3.6
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
35.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 96 - 103; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 73 - 82. Small indistinct dark spots and markings on median fins, eyed side of body, head and pelvic fins .: short and / or deep.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Cape scaldfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Cape scaldfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Cape scaldfish is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal; depth range 1 - 200 m . Subtropical; 20°N - 35°S South Africa.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3.6±0.4

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00912 × L3.04 (TL)
Max TL
20cm
Dorsal Rays
100
Anal Rays
78

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2014

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
35.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.6
Predator
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Latitude Range
20°N – 35°S
Described By
Boulenger, 1898

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Cape scaldfish is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • 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
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Cape scaldfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Cape scaldfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Arnoglossus entomorhynchus Stauch 1967 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 223 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
0 Observations logged on Aquareap

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View all observations for Cape scaldfish ↗
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