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Cavebass (Dinoperca petersi) — Dinopercidae

Cavebass

Dinoperca petersi
Family: Dinopercidae

The Cavebass (Dinoperca petersi) is a saltwater fish of the family Dinopercidae that grows up to 75 cm.

Length
75 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–50.0 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The cavebass is a perch-like fish (Dinopercidae) from coastal waters of the western Indian Ocean, off southeastern Africa. The species grows to about 75 cm and has a deep, dark body with pale dotted lines and large eyes. As a nocturnal predator it shelters by day in caves and crevices of rocky reefs and hunts small fish and crustaceans at night. When disturbed it can release a dark ink-like substance. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cavebass?

The Cavebass has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly black.

Where does the Cavebass live?

The Cavebass lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Cavebass get?

The Cavebass grows to a maximum of about 75 cm.

Is the Cavebass dangerous to humans?

No, the Cavebass is harmless to humans.

Is the Cavebass edible?

Yes, the Cavebass is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Grotbaars sourced
English name
Cavebass sourced
Scientific name
Dinoperca petersi
Family
Dinopercidae
Other names
Lampfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
75.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
50.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

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