Fin's Fish Guide
The Southern meagre (Argyrosomus hololepidotus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 200 cm.
Western Indian Ocean along the coast of southeastern Africa and Madagascar, over soft bottoms of coastal water and brackish estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The southern meagre is a very large croaker of the family Sciaenidae (drums) reaching about 2 metres. The elongate body is silvery-grey with a bronze sheen. Like other drums it can make a loud drumming sound with muscles against its swim bladder, sometimes audible from shore. The species lives over soft bottoms of coastal water and runs far into brackish estuaries along the coast of southeastern Africa and Madagascar. As a powerful predator it hunts, mainly at night and in the surf, schooling fish, shrimps, squid and crustaceans. With its tasty flesh it is an important commercial fish and one of the most prized sport fish of the region.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Southern meagre?
The Southern meagre has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very large, silvery croaker; makes a loud drumming sound with the swim bladder and moves far into brackish estuaries.
Where does the Southern meagre live?
The Southern meagre lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Indian Ocean along the coast of southeastern Africa and Madagascar, over soft bottoms of coastal water and brackish estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Southern meagre get?
The Southern meagre grows to a maximum of about 200 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.
Is the Southern meagre dangerous to humans?
No, the Southern meagre is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Southern meagre edible?
Yes, the Southern meagre is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Argyrosomus
More from the family Sciaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Southern meagre?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Southern meagre is one of 12,519 species in the app.