Kingklip (Genypterus capensis)

Scientific name: Genypterus capensis Smith, 1847

Kingklip (Genypterus capensis)

The Kingklip (Genypterus capensis) is a marine fish of the family Ophidiidae. Native range: Eastern Atlantic, Walvis Bay, Namibia to Algoa Bay, South Africa. Distinctiveness of this species and Genypterus blacodes is unclear.

Biology

Occur in rocky areas of the shelf and upper continental slope. Juveniles found in shallow waters than adults. Benthic and common species. Feed on dragonets, mantis shrimps, hake, squid, and various fishes. Spawning occurs from August to October. Oviparous, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass. Utilized fresh and frozen; can be fried and baked.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Genypterus capensis
Family
Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels)
Order
Ophidiiformes (Cusk eels)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
180
Depth range
50–500 m (164–1640 ft)
Environment
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 50 - 500 m, usually 250 - 350 m
Climate
Deep-water
Distribution
Eastern Atlantic: Walvis Bay, Namibia to Algoa Bay, South Africa. Distinctiveness of this species and Genypterus blacodes is unclear.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: commercial
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (K=0.06-0.14; tm=4-5)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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