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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🐠 Aquarium 🌡️ Subtropical

Baldy

Caffrogobius natalensis Günther, 1874
Max Length
10.2 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.3
Depth
-
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
20.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Baldy (Caffrogobius natalensis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Gobiidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 10.2 cm. With a trophic level of 3.3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Scientific Name
Caffrogobius natalensis
Authority
Günther, 1874
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Subtropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
10.2 cm
Trophic Level
3.3
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
20.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10. Body with irregular crossbars anteriorly, spots posteriorly; dorsal fin with 2-3 stripes .: fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Baldy is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
Spawn Location
Pelagic
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; brackish; demersal. Subtropical Southeast Atlantic: Natal to Knysna in South Africa.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🌿 Brackish ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3.3±0.5

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00912 × L3.12 (TL)
Max TL
10.2cm
Dorsal Spines
7
Dorsal Rays
10
Anal Spines
1
Anal Rays
10

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2017

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
20.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.3
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Günther, 1874

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