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Santer (Cheimerius nufar) — Sparidae

Santer

Cheimerius nufar
Family: Sparidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Santer (Cheimerius nufar) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 75 cm.

Length
75 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
20.0–300.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Western Indian Ocean, along eastern and southern Africa.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The santer seabream is a sea bream (Sparidae) from the western Indian Ocean, along the coast of eastern and southern Africa. The species reaches about 75 cm and has a deep, silvery body with a pink tinge. It occurs over rocky bottoms of coastal waters to about 300 m deep; juveniles stay in sheltered parts of estuaries. The diet consists of crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes. Large specimens are caught from the shore mainly when the seas are rough. The species is marketed fresh, whole or dried and is a valued fish locally.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Santer?

The Santer has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Valued sea bream of rocky coastal waters; large individuals are caught mainly in rough seas.

Where does the Santer live?

The Santer lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Indian Ocean, along eastern and southern Africa.

How big does the Santer get?

The Santer grows to a maximum of about 75 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.

Is the Santer dangerous to humans?

No, the Santer is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Santer edible?

The Santer is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Santer verified
Scientific name
Cheimerius nufar
Family
Sparidae
Other names
Santer seabream; Soldier verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
75.0 verified
Average length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
20.0 verified
Max depth (m)
300.0 verified
Natural range
Western Indian Ocean, along eastern and southern Africa. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Valued sea bream of rocky coastal waters; large individuals are caught mainly in rough seas. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with bait from shore or boat. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Sparidae

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