Fish
Galjoen
Dichistius capensis
South Africa's national fish - a tough, surf-zone specialist that can switch from almost black to silvery in seconds.
Also known as brindle bass
- Habitat
- Shallow surf and rocky gullies
The galjoen is a fish of turbulent, shallow rocky water, and among the rocks it is almost black; moved into open or sandy water it can change to a silvery colour within a minute or two. It is built for the surf zone, holding station in white water that few other fish will tolerate.
It is South Africa's national fish and a legendary shore-angling target, famous for its dogged fight close to the rocks.