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💧 Freshwater Near Threatened 🎣 Game Fish 🌡️ Subtropical 🎣 Game Fish

Sawfin

Cheilobarbus serra Peters, 1864
Max Length
50 cm
Max Weight
7.0 kg
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
2.7
Depth
-
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
55.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Favors deep pools and runs of mainstreams, also impounded waters; young occur in smaller tributaries. Breeds in summer, congregating in deep pools below waterfalls and rapids. Feeds on insects and invertebrates as well as algae and detritus mainly off the bottom, leaving characteristic pockets in sand and gravel beds. Decline in population is due to the introduction of bass, increasing habitat destruction and the impendence of large dams .

Scientific Name
Cheilobarbus serra
Authority
Peters, 1864
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Subtropical
IUCN Status
NT
Max Length
50 cm
Max Weight
7 kg
Trophic Level
2.7
Resilience
Low
Vulnerability
55.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Genus
Cheilobarbus
Cheilobarbus
Species
Sawfin
Cheilobarbus serra

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Sawfin is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Sawfin 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; 30°S - 34°S South Africa (Ref.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
2.7±0.27
Food Items

insects and invertebrates as well as algae and detritus mainly off the bottom, leaving characteristi

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00603 × L3.06 (TL)
Max TL
50cm
Max Weight
7,000g

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Near Threatened
Assessment Date
2016

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
55.00/100
Moderate-High vulnerability
Trophic Level
2.7
Omnivore / Planktivore
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Peters, 1864

🎣 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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