Black Musselcracker
Cymatoceps nasutus
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: 1–80 m
- Max size: 1.5 m
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: VU
A thick lipped, big headed seabream of southern African reefs, the black musselcracker uses powerful jaws and crushing teeth to break open crabs, crayfish, urchins and shellfish. Old males develop a bulbous snout, and the species grows slowly to a metre and a half; heavy fishing has left it vulnerable.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Eupercaria incertae sedis › Sparidae › Cymatoceps
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 218601.
FAQ
- How deep does the Black Musselcracker live?
- The Black Musselcracker (Cymatoceps nasutus) is typically found at 1–80 m.
- Is the Black Musselcracker dangerous to divers?
- The Black Musselcracker is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Black Musselcracker get?
- The Black Musselcracker grows to about 1.5 m.