Shallow-water Cape hake (Merluccius capensis) fish species and information / pictures of Shallow-water Cape hake - Merluccius capensis

Shallow-water Cape hake (Merluccius capensis) fish species information

Scientific Name
Merluccius capensis

Common Name
Shallow-water Cape hake

Biology
Found on the continental shelf and slope to depths over 1,000 m (Ref. 27121). Juveniles (to about 64 cm) feed on small crustaceans and small deep-sea fishes such as lanternfishes, whereas larger individuals feed chiefly on small hakes and jack mackerel (Ref. 1371); cannibalism is common (Ref. 27121). Migrates southward in the spring and northward in autumn (Ref. 1371). Breeds throughout the year, peaks of reproductive activity in August and September (Ref. 36731). Marketed smoked, frozen, and fresh on ice; eaten steamed, fried and baked (Ref. 9988). The South African Hake Trawl fishery of this species has been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (http://www.msc.org/) as well-managed and sustainable (http://www.msc.org/html/content_1092.htm).

Classification

Classified By

Castelnau, 1861

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Cods (Gadiformes)

Family

Merluccid hakes (Merlucciidae)

Distribution

Region

Southeast Atlantic

Distribution

Southeast Atlantic: Baie Farte, Angola around Cape to Natal, South Africa. Also found on Valdivia Bank (26?18'S, 6?20'E).

Range

11°S - 37°S, 5°E - 33°E

Environment

Climate

Deep-water

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

50 m

Depth To - meters

1000 m

Zone

bathydemersal

Environment

Marine; bathydemersal; oceanodromous (Ref. 51243); depth range 50 - 1000 m (Ref. 27121), usually 150 - 450 m (Ref. 27121)

Trophic Level

4.45 s.e. 0.78 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

140 cm

Common Length

50.0 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: minor commercial

Vulnerability

High to very high vulnerability (70 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (K=0.07-0.13)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated