Kingklip
📖 Overview
Occur in rocky areas of the shelf and upper continental slope. Juveniles found in shallow waters than adults . Benthic and common species . Feed on dragonets, mantis shrimps, hake, squid, and various fishes . Spawning occurs from August to October. Oviparous, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass . Utilized fresh and frozen; can be fried and baked .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 150; Anal soft rays: 110. Head and body usually pinkish to orangish with dark spots and blotches especially dorsally .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Kingklip is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Kingklip is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 50 - 500 m , usually 250 - 350 m . Deep-water; 21°S - 37°S, 12°E - 28°E South Africa.
🌿 Ecology
dragonets, mantis shrimps, hake, squid, and various fishes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Kingklip 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 | 15.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 242 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Kingklip has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | kingklip |
| 🌍AFR | Koningklip |
| 🌍CES | hruj kapská |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | キングクリップ |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Капский конгрио |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoplophycis lalandi | Kaup | 1858 | Synonym |
| Xiphiurus capensis | Smith | 1847 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 8 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Kingklip ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.