Congiopodus torvus (Gronow, 1772)
Smooth horsefish
photo by FAO

Family:  Congiopodidae (Racehorses or pigfishes)
Max. size:  76 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 10 - 300 m
Distribution:  Southeast Atlantic: Namibia to Pondoland in Transkei, South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 20-21; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-15; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 7-8. Light brown with irregular darker brown markings in young; adults darker brown (Ref. 6626).
Biology:  Inhabits soft bottoms (Ref. 9602). Flesh edible, but not utilized commercially (Ref. 9602). Minimum depth reported from Ref. 6626.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 January 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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