Dageraad

Scientific name

Chrysoblephus cristiceps

Other names

Daggerhead

Fishing method

Linefishery

Area of capture

South Africa

SASSI colour

Red

Summary

Dageraad (Chrysoblephus cristiceps) is a member of the seabream family (Sparidae) and is endemic to Southern Africa. Stocks are severely overexploited throughout their range and this species is likely to be placed on the IUCN’s Red list within the next year. They are a long-lived, resident schooling species associated with rocky reefs and exhibit life history characteristics such as slow growth and late sexual maturity (9-10 years), they also undergo a sex change from female to male, all of which make them vulnerable to overfishing. Stocks are in urgent need of rebuilding.

Dageraad are mainly caught in the traditional linefishery which operates from small ski- and deckboats within the inshore zone along most of the South African coastline; they are also targeted by recreational linefishers and spearfishers. Linefishing is a relatively selective fishing method which has few impacts on the marine environment and is carried out with either a rod and reel or a handline. There is generally very little bycatch or habitat damage caused by this fishing method. However, some species targeted by this fishery are over-exploited or collapsed because of their specific life history characteristics.

The minimum size limit is 40cm for recreational and commercial fishers.

For more information, email us at sassi@wwf.org.za.