Cape elephantfish
| Cape elephantfish | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Chondrichthyes |
| Subclass: | Holocephali |
| Order: | Chimaeriformes |
| Family: | Callorhinchidae |
| Genus: | Callorhinchus |
| Species: | C. capensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Callorhinchus capensis A. H. A. Duméril, 1865
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The Cape elephantfish (Callorhinchus capensis), also known as the St Joseph shark or josef, is a species of fish in the family Callorhinchidae.[2]
Description
[edit]The Cape elephantfish is a smooth silvery or bronze fish which grows to 120 cm in total length, with a digging proboscis on the front of its snout. The first dorsal fin has a large venomous spine in front of it. There are darker markings on the flanks and head. At maturity, the males have a pair of calcified claspers, paired retractable prepelvic graspers, and a door-knocker-like projection (tentaculum) on their heads.[2]
Distribution
[edit]It is found off the coasts of Namibia and South Africa inshore and down to 374 m.[citation needed]
Ecology
[edit]The Cape elephantfish eats sea urchins, bivalves, crustaceans, gastropods, worms, and bony fish. Its predators include seals and sharks.
It is oviparous, laying two egg cases at a time. The egg case is large (about 25 cm) and spindle-shaped, with a ragged frill all around it. Females mature at 50 cm, males at 44 cm. Mating and egg laying occurs inshore.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Finucci, B.; Pacoureau, N. (2020). "Callorhinchus capensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T60138A184670902. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T60138A184670902.en. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
- ^ a b Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E. 2010. Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa ISBN 978-1-77007-772-0
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