Stumpnose, Cape

Scientific name

Rhabdosargus holubi

Other names

None

Fishing method

Recreational shore angling

Area of capture

South Africa

SASSI colour

Red (No Sale Species)

Summary

The Cape stumpnose is a recreational species only. Estuarine dependence makes it vulnerable to degradation of estuarine habitats and this has apparently already impacted on its abundance. Its dependency on these areas lies in the fact that this species of fish uses the estuarine habitat for a nursery area. Juveniles remain in the estuaries up until sexual maturity. Thereafter, adults can be found in shallow, coastal waters over sand and shallow reefs. The Cape stumpnose is endemic to the coastal waters from St Helena Bay up to Mozambique.

The Cape stumpnose is a Red-listed no-sale species, this means that it is illegal to sell or buy these species anywhere in South Africa. This species is specifically reserved for recreational fishers and may only be caught by fishers in possession of a recreational permit. These fishers must also abide by the recreational permit conditions which include daily bag limits and minimum size limits. Recreational fishers are not allowed to sell their catch as this would result in an unsustainable amount of effort being used in the fishery and undermines the livelihoods of legitimate commercial fishermen who rely on the resource for their income.

For more information, email us at sassi@wwf.org.za.

What can YOU do?

It is ILLEGAL to buy or sell Cape stumpnose! Rather choose a green-listed species.