Teleostei (teleosts) >
Centrarchiformes (Basses) >
Latridae (Trumpeters)
Etymology: Chirodactylus: Greek, cheir = hand + Greek, daktylos = finger (Ref. 45335); for the long, unbranched lower pectoral fin rays (Ref. 120445).
More on author: Günther.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; demersal; depth range 0 - 150 m (Ref. 9492). Subtropical; 23°S - 36°S
Southeast Atlantic: Walvis Bay, Namibia to possibly Natal, South Africa. Natal records are likely to be Chirodactylus jessicalorum.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 180 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 9492); common length : 80.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 9492)
The largest species of the family (Ref. 5319). Primarily an offshore species that prefers rocky or muddy banks. Feeds during the day on small, bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Occasionally also on squid and small fish. Also caught by artisanal and game fisheries (Ref. 9492).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Smith, M.M., 1986. Cheilodactylidae. p. 667-668. In M.M. Smith and P.C. Heemstra (eds.) Smiths' sea fishes. Springer-Verlag, Berlin. (Ref. 5319)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes
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