Argyrosomus thorpei Smith, 1977
Squaretail kob
Argyrosomus thorpei
photo by SFSA

Family:  Sciaenidae (Drums or croakers)
Max. size:  71 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 12 kg
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Mozambique to Port Elizabeth, South Africa; also from the west coast of Madagascar.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26-28; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 6-7. Body silvery, fins orange-brown or yellowish (Ref. 4373).
Biology:  Found in coastal waters. Juveniles are found on sand or mud substrate and the adults predominantly on reef (Ref. 12200). Spawns in the winter (Ref. 12199). An important food fish. Sold fresh in markets.
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 02 August 2019 (A2bd) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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