Home · Sparidae · White stumpnose
White stumpnose (Rhabdosargus globiceps) — Sparidae

White stumpnose

Rhabdosargus globiceps
Family: Sparidae

The White stumpnose (Rhabdosargus globiceps) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 65 cm.

Length
65 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
0–100.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Want the complete picture on the White stumpnose?

Get the app

Description

The white stumpnose is a seabream (Sparidae) from coastal waters of southern Africa. The species grows to about 65 cm and has a deep, silvery body with a blunt head and strong molars. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches bays, estuaries and sand and reef bottoms for molluscs, crustaceans and worms, which it crushes. It is a valued sport and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the White stumpnose?

The White stumpnose has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the White stumpnose live?

The White stumpnose lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Africa: Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa

How big does the White stumpnose get?

The White stumpnose grows to a maximum of about 65 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.

Is the White stumpnose dangerous to humans?

No, the White stumpnose is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the White stumpnose edible?

Yes, the White stumpnose is commonly eaten.

More photos

White stumpnose (Rhabdosargus globiceps) — Sparidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Christopher Caine, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
White stumpnose (Rhabdosargus globiceps) — Sparidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) western cape bluerays, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
White stumpnose (Rhabdosargus globiceps) — Sparidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Brian Gratwicke (CC BY 2.0)
White stumpnose (Rhabdosargus globiceps) — Sparidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Amada44 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Fin

Want the complete picture on the White stumpnose?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the White stumpnose is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →

All data

Identification

English name
White stumpnose sourced
Scientific name
Rhabdosargus globiceps
Family
Sparidae
Other names
Stumpnose; White stumpnose; Go-home-fish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
65.0 verified
Average length (cm)
40.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
100.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Rhabdosargus

More from the family Sparidae

Fin

Want the complete picture on the White stumpnose?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the White stumpnose is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →
Is this the White stumpnose? Get the app