Small pelagic species and purse seine fishing
Anchovy – Engraulis encrasicolus
- Size generally between 8 to 12 cm.
- Soft body with silvery stripe down its side.
- Lower jaw distinctly shorter than the top jaw.
Sardine / Pilchard – Sardinops sagax
- Size juveniles generally between 8 to 12 cm.
- Larger fish caught generally 18 to 25 cm.
- Jaw at distinct angle compared to the red-eye.
- Slightly flattened body and distinct line of black spots down its side. Note dorsal fin and anal fin in vertical line one above the other.
Maasbanker (Horse Mackerel) – Trachurus trachurus capensis
- Size from 6 cm upwards when mixed with other species.
- Can be up to 30+ cm. Firm fish with distinct line of “scutes” along its side near the tail.
Mackerel (Chub Mackerel) – Scromber japonicus
- Size range 5 to 30+ cm. Firm round bodied fish.
- Distinct blue colored dorsal with lateral stripes.
Red Eye (Round Herring) – Etrumeus whiteheadi
- Size generally between 8 to 12 cm when mixed with Anchovy.
- Larger fish 18 to 25 cm.
Slender round body similar to anchovy. - Lower jaw extends out
further than upper jaw. - Note the diagonal line from the dorsal to the anal fin.
Lanternfish
Lampanyctodes hectoris
- Non-quota species
Lightfish
Maurolicus muelleri
- Non-quota species
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The South African Pelagic Fishing Industry Association (SAPFIA) is a legally recognised industrial body which represents a large number of Rights Holder who hold approximately 67% of sardine rights and 70% of anchovy rights in the small pelagic fishing sector.
Our Location
1st Floor, Harbour Place.
7 Martin Hammerschlag Way,
Foreshore, Cape Town, ZA
+27 21 425 2727