Diplodus hottentotus
Diplodus hottentotus (Smith, 1844)
Zebra
Diplodus hottentotus
photo by Koch, R.J.

Family:  Sparidae (Porgies)
Max. size:  60 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 33 years
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine; depth range - 100 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: known only from southern Mozambique and South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-11. Young bright yellow between crossbars.
Biology:  Inhabits coastal waters, mainly on rocky bottoms. Also enters estuaries, which are also used as nursery grounds. Feeds on fish, mollusks, crustaceans, worms, and other organisms. Has a nauseating odor; sold fresh in markets.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 December 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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