Cape Elephantfish
Callorhinchus capensis
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: 10–374 m
- Max size: 1.2 m
- For divers: dangerous
- IUCN status: LC
A relative of sharks with a soft, scaleless body, the Cape elephantfish has a flexible snout shaped like a plough, which it uses to root shellfish from the sea floor. It moves into shallow bays to lay its spindle shaped egg cases, and a venomous spine stands before its dorsal fin.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Holocephali › Chimaeriformes › Callorhinchidae › Callorhinchus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 221460.
FAQ
- How deep does the Cape Elephantfish live?
- The Cape Elephantfish (Callorhinchus capensis) is typically found at 10–374 m.
- Is the Cape Elephantfish dangerous to divers?
- The Cape Elephantfish can be dangerous; divers should keep their distance.
- How big does the Cape Elephantfish get?
- The Cape Elephantfish grows to about 1.2 m.