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💧 Freshwater Endangered 🎣 Game Fish 🌡️ Subtropical 🎣 Game Fish

Cape whitefish

Cheilobarbus capensis Smith, 1841
Max Length
60 cm
Max Weight
3.4 kg
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
2.8
Depth
-
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
60.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Prefers deep, rocky pools of larger tributaries and mainstreams and does well in dams such as Voëlvlei and Brandvlei. Feeds on bottom-dwelling invertebrates and algae. Breeds in summer, congregating at the head of large, stony pools or at the base of rapids. Eggs are laid in gravel in flowing water and hatch after about 5 days. Has been artificially bred and restocked by conservation authorities .

Scientific Name
Cheilobarbus capensis
Authority
Smith, 1841
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Subtropical
IUCN Status
EN
Max Length
60 cm
Max Weight
3.4 kg
Trophic Level
2.8
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
60.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Genus
Cheilobarbus
Cheilobarbus
Species
Cape whitefish
Cheilobarbus capensis

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Cape whitefish is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Cape whitefish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Subtropical; 31°S - 34°S South Africa (Ref.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
2.8±0.26
Food Items

bottom-dwelling invertebrates and algae

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00603 × L3.06 (TL)
Max TL
60cm
Max Weight
3,400g

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Endangered
Assessment Date
2016

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
60.00/100
High vulnerability
Trophic Level
2.8
Omnivore / Planktivore
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Smith, 1841

🎣 Angling Guide

Difficulty
Beginner
Fight Rating
strong pulls with head-shakes
Best Seasons
spring,summer,fall
Best Time
incoming tide, dawn and dusk
Line Weight
15-30
Rod Type
medium-heavy spinning
Hook Size
2/0-5/0
Catch & Release
✓ Recommended
Best Months
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Techniques
bottom fishing popping cork soft plastics live bait
Bait & Lures
live shrimp cut mullet soft plastic paddle-tails popping corks
Recommended Tackle
  • medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
  • 30-50 lb braid
  • fluorocarbon leader
Where to Find Them
  • grass flats
  • oyster bars
  • marsh drains
  • deeper channel edges
Tips & Tricks
Popping cork technique attracts fish from distance. Fish moving tides.
Catch & Release Tips

Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.

Regulations Summary

⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

👥 Community & Contribute

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