Dichistius capensis (Cuvier, 1831)
Galjoen
Dichistius capensis
photo by FAO

Family:  Dichistiidae (Galjoen fishes)
Max. size:  80 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 6,500.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 10 m
Distribution:  Southeast Atlantic to southwestern Indian Ocean: southern Angola to Natal, South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-19; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 13-14. Changes from black to silver almost instantly to blend with environment; occasionally mottled or with 7-9 crossbars (Ref. 4370).
Biology:  Found in inshore reefs, rocky and sandy areas. Feeds on mollusks, crustaceans, and other invertebrates (Ref. 5213). Abundant in winter, breeding occurs in deeper water. Becoming scarce because of overfishing (Ref. 36731).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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