Fish
Natal Stumpnose
Rhabdosargus sarba
A deep-bodied silver seabream of KZN, gold-lined with a yellow belly, common over reef and in estuaries.
Also known as goldlined seabream, silver bream, stumpnose(natal), tarwhine
- Typical size
- Commonly 25-45 cm
- Habitat
- Inshore reef, rocky ground and estuaries
- Depth
- Shallows to about 60 m
The Natal stumpnose is a handsome sparid of the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape coast, deep-bodied and silvery with fine golden lines along its flanks and a yellowish belly. Juveniles use estuaries and shallow bays as nurseries while adults move onto inshore reefs and rocky ground, feeding on mussels, crabs and other hard-shelled invertebrates crushed with strong molar teeth.
It is an important recreational angling species and a familiar sight to spearos over shallow reef, often in small groups. Stocks have come under pressure, so know the current bag and size limits before targeting it. Handle spines with care when unhooking.