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Merluccius capensis, commonly known as the Cape Hake, is a commercially important demersal fish species belonging to the family Merlucciidae. It is characterized by its elongated body, silvery coloration, and large mouth. This species plays a significant ecological role as a predator in its habitat and is a cornerstone of the South African and Namibian fishing industries.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- elongated
- Coloration
- Silvery-grey dorsally, fading to a lighter silver or whitish on the flanks and belly. Fins are typically dusky.
- Scale type
- cycloid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Large head with a prominent lower jaw that extends beyond the upper jaw., Two dorsal fins: the first is short and triangular, the second is long and deeply notched., A single, long anal fin, similar in shape to the second dorsal fin., Large eyes., Absence of scales on the head.
- Dorsal fin
- Two dorsal fins; the first is short with 9-12 rays, the second is long with 36-42 rays and a distinct notch.
- Tail fin
- Truncate to slightly emarginate caudal fin.
- Pectoral fin
- Relatively long pectoral fins, reaching to or beyond the anus.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are thoracic, located anterior to the pectoral fins.
Identification Tips
Jaw structure
The lower jaw protrudes noticeably beyond the upper jaw, a key characteristic of Merluccius species.
Dorsal fins
Presence of two distinct dorsal fins, with the second being long and deeply notched, helps distinguish it from other cod-like fishes.
Pectoral fin length
Pectoral fins are relatively long, often reaching to or past the anus.
Geographic location
Its occurrence is restricted to the southeastern Atlantic, which aids in identification when considering other hake species.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found at depths ranging from 50 to 1000 meters, with juveniles often in shallower waters (50-200m) and adults in deeper waters (200-800m).
- Environment
- Demersal, inhabiting continental shelf and upper slope areas over soft bottoms (mud, sand). They are often associated with cooler, oxygen-rich waters.
- Geographic range
- Southeastern Atlantic Ocean, primarily off the coasts of Namibia and South Africa, from Angola (15°S) to the Agulhas Bank (35°S).
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: aggressive
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: Not suitable for home aquaria due to size and specific environmental needs.
- Temperature: 4-12°C (39-54°F)
- pH level: 7.8-8.4
- Hardness: Not applicable for marine fish, salinity is key (34-36 ppt)
- Compatibility: Not compatible with other fish in an aquarium setting due to its predatory nature and size.
- Special requirements: Requires very large, specialized public aquarium facilities with deep-water conditions, specific temperature and pressure controls, and a constant supply of live prey. Not suitable for private aquarists.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Available year-round due to extensive fishing operations, but specific quotas and fishing seasons may apply in different management areas to ensure sustainability.
- Market price: Varies significantly based on processing (fillets, whole, frozen) and market demand, but generally a high-value whitefish.
- Commercial importance: high
- Taste: Mild, delicate, slightly sweet flavor.
- Texture: Flaky, firm, white flesh.
- Cooking methods: Baking, Grilling, Frying, Steaming, Poaching
- Nutritional value: Excellent source of lean protein, low in fat, and contains Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and minerals like phosphorus and selenium.
Key Facts
Major Fishery Targetinteresting
Cape Hake is one of the most important commercial fish species in Southern Africa, supporting a large trawl fishery.
Dietary Shiftbehavior
Juvenile Cape Hake primarily feed on small crustaceans (like euphausiids), while adults are piscivorous, preying on smaller fish (e.g., anchovies, sardines, other hake) and cephalopods.
Vertical Migrationbehavior
Cape Hake often exhibit diel vertical migration, moving into shallower waters at night to feed and returning to deeper waters during the day.
Distinction from Deep-Water Hakeevolution
Historically, Merluccius capensis and Merluccius paradoxus were often confused or considered a single species. Genetic and morphological studies have confirmed them as distinct species, with M. capensis generally inhabiting shallower waters.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to avoid cuts from fins or gill rakers. Not venomous or toxic.
Similar Species
Benguela Hake
Merluccius paradoxus
M. paradoxus (deep-water Cape Hake) generally has a shorter pectoral fin that does not reach the anus, and typically inhabits deeper waters (300-1000m) than M. capensis. M. paradoxus also tends to have a slightly smaller head and eye relative to body size.
European Hake
Merluccius merluccius
Geographic distribution is the primary differentiator, as M. merluccius is found in the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean. Morphologically, M. merluccius often has a slightly less pronounced lower jaw and subtle differences in fin ray counts.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Gadiformes
- Family
- Merlucciidae
- Genus
- Merluccius
- Species
- capensis
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