Fin's Fish Guide
The Shallow-water Cape hake (Merluccius capensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Merlucciidae that grows up to 140 cm.
Southeast Atlantic along the coast of southern Africa, over soft bottoms of the continental shelf and slope.
Description
The shallow-water Cape hake is a slender hake of the family Merlucciidae (hakes) reaching about 1.4 metres. The streamlined, silvery-grey body has two dorsal fins, a long anal fin and a large mouth full of sharp teeth. The species lives over soft bottoms of the continental shelf and slope along the coast of southern Africa, in the productive Benguela Current. By day it stays close to the bottom; at night it moves higher in the water column to hunt anchovy, sardine, squid and crustaceans in shoals. With its white flesh the Cape hake (as 'stockfish') is the basis of one of the most important fisheries of southern Africa.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Shallow-water Cape hake?
The Shallow-water Cape hake has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silver-grey hake with a large mouth full of sharp teeth; an important deep-water predator of the Benguela Current.
Where does the Shallow-water Cape hake live?
The Shallow-water Cape hake lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeast Atlantic along the coast of southern Africa, over soft bottoms of the continental shelf and slope.
How big does the Shallow-water Cape hake get?
The Shallow-water Cape hake grows to a maximum of about 140 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Shallow-water Cape hake dangerous to humans?
No, the Shallow-water Cape hake is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Shallow-water Cape hake edible?
Yes, the Shallow-water Cape hake is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Shallow-water Cape hake?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shallow-water Cape hake is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Merluccius
More from the family Merlucciidae
Want the complete picture on the Shallow-water Cape hake?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shallow-water Cape hake is one of 12,519 species in the app.