Cape kurper (Sandelia capensis)

Scientific name: Sandelia capensis Cuvier, 1829

The Cape kurper (Sandelia capensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Anabantidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 18–22°C (64–72°F).

Cape kurper care at a glance

Temperature: 18–22°C (64–72°F)

Biology

Hardy, occurs in various habitats. Favors quiet or slow-flowing water and plant or root cover. Feeds on insects and other invertebrates and small fish. Breeds in summer; males defend a breeding territory and guard the eggs which are scattered and sticking to the bottom. Many populations have declined and are threatened by habitat destruction and predation from introduced bass.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Sandelia capensis
Family: Anabantidae (Climbing gouramies)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 20.0
Environment: Freshwater; benthopelagic
Climate: Subtropical
Distribution: Africa: southern and southwestern Cape coastal rivers from the Coega River (Algoa Bay) to the Cape Flats and north to the Verlorenvlei. Introduced into the Clanwilliam Olifants system.
Conservation status (IUCN): Data deficient (DD)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)