Oplegnathus robinsoni Regan, 1916
Natal knifejaw
photo by Alexandre, D.

Family:  Oplegnathidae (Knifejaws)
Max. size:  60 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 20 - 100 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: occurs only in Mozambique and Natal, South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20-24; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 14-17. Adults dark grey in color; juveniles yellow with black bars (very similar to young Diplodus cervinus hottentotus.
Biology:  Occur in coastal rocky and coral reefs to a depth of 100 m; juveniles pelagic in currents (Ref. 4332). Benthic omnivores. May live longer than 10 years. Spawning occurs throughout the year (Ref. 57746). Marketed fresh (Ref. 9660).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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