Cubiceps capensis (Smith, 1845)
Cape fathead
Cubiceps capensis
photo by Lord, R.

Family:  Nomeidae (Driftfishes)
Max. size:  101 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-oceanic; marine; depth range 0 - 140 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Probably circumglobal in tropical and temperate seas. Reported from the Mediterranean (Ref. 11228).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20-23; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 20-21; Vertebrae: 31-31. Dark brown to deep purple, fins dark (Ref. 4412). Preorbital snout naked or with a few predorsal scales distinctly smaller than those between eyes (Ref 9834).
Biology:  Oceanic, epipelagic or mesopelagic in tropical waters. Feeds mainly on salps (Ref. 33689). Occurs near the surface at night but depth at daytime is not known. Excellent food fish.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 29 January 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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