Fish
Cape Gurnard
Chelidonichthys capensis
A bottom-dwelling reddish fish with huge fan-like pectoral fins that flash blue when spread, common off the Cape.
Also known as gurnard cape, knorhaan, sea robin
- Typical size
- Commonly 30-50 cm
- Habitat
- Sand and mixed reef bottoms
- Depth
- Shallows to about 300 m
The Cape gurnard is a robust, reddish-brown bottom fish with an armoured, blunt head and large wing-like pectoral fins whose inner surfaces are marked with vivid blue and green. The lowest fin rays are separate, finger-like feelers used to 'walk' over the seabed and probe for prey.
Common over sand and mixed reef along the southern and western Cape, it feeds on crabs, worms and small fish. It can produce audible grunting sounds using its swim bladder. Harmless and easily approached, it is a familiar catch for Cape shore and boat anglers and is good eating.