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🌊 Marine 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Subtropical

Cape grenadier

Macruronus capensis Davies, 1950
Max Length
100 cm
Max Weight
Lifespan
Trophic Level
4.1
Depth
250–658 m
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
52.00/100
Typical Length
Depth Zone

📖 Overview

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

Scientific Name
Macruronus capensis
Authority
Davies, 1950
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Subtropical
Body Shape
Elongated
Max Length
100 cm
Depth Range
250–658 m
Trophic Level
4.1
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
52.00/100
Migration
Non-migratory
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 99 - 111; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 75 - 102. Dorsal portion of body blackish blue, sides and belly silvery white; fins black.: elongated; Cross section: oval.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Cape grenadier is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Cape grenadier is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Cape grenadier is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; benthopelagic; non-migratory; depth range 250 - 658 m . Subtropical; 33°S - 38°S, 14°E - 27°E Southeast Atlantic: off South Africa in deep waters off the Cape of Good Hope, Mossel Bay and off Algoa Bay.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine
Migration
Non-migratory
Trophic Level
4.1±0.4

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00427 × L3.04 (TL)
Max TL
100cm
Dorsal Spines
1
Dorsal Rays
105
Anal Rays
89

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
52.00/100
Moderate-High vulnerability
Trophic Level
4.1
Apex / Top predator
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Davies, 1950

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Macruronus Capensis 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 grenadier is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Cape grenadier 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

👥 Community & Contribute

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