FACT SHEET
FOR
GALJOEN
Scientific Name: Dichistius capensis Common Names: Galjoen, Damba Family: Dichistiidae Size: Can grow to 80 cm and 6.5 kg Identification Features: The Galjoen is usually a dark grey coloured fish with a mottled body colour; they appear lighter underwater sometimes with 7-­‐9 faint black bars down the sides of the body. Crushing teeth occur in the gullet. Distribution: This is the South African National Fish; it is endemic to Southern Africa, occurring from southern Angola to Durban. It is considered to be one of the most popular angling species amongst fishermen. Along KZN they are most abundant in September to October. Although Galjoen are thought to remain resident in areas over long periods there have been several cases where fish tagged in Namibia have been recaptured months later as far away as East London. Little is known of the Galjoen migration patterns, but in recent decades extensive tagging programs should start revealing these hidden details. Habitat: The species is mostly a shallow water species that feel most at home in very turbulent waters. The adults and juveniles occupy the same habitat; exposed surf-­‐zone and shallow sub-­‐tidal reefs, rocky shores and gullies, including kelp beds. They are most abundant at the interface of sand and reefs. Galjoen never enter estuaries. Little is known about the distribution of the eggs and larvae. The eggs are known to float. Diet: The Galjoen feed in water depths of a metre and less. Often they feed right behind the shore break. The Galjoen’s diet consists of about 75% ascidians (redbait) but it does also consume a fair amount of red and coralline seaweed. Also they feed on small mussels and barnacles. Reproduction: In the Cape spawning occurs in summer. The distribution of juveniles remains obscure, although they are thought to mature in kelp beds. 50% maturity: Males 31 cm/6 years. Females 34 cm/6 years Maximum age: 13 years, quite possibly live till 20 years Reproductive style: Gonochoristic (do not change sex) Age at sex change: N/A Capture: The vast majority of Galjoen are taken by recreational shore-­‐fishery and spear fishery. A net-­‐fishery that once operated has been banned, but illegal net catches are still common on the west coast. Galjoen are occasionally taken by light tackle boat anglers. Commercial capture of this species is not allowed due to the decline in stock. SA Angling Record: 6.5 kg SA Spear fishing Record: 5.2 kg Regulations: Category: Recreational List Bag limit: 2 per person per day Minimum size: 35 cm Closed Season: 15 October to last day of February Other Regulations: No Sale SASSI List: Black section of Red List Management Considerations: There should be a careful monitoring of this fishery by means of shore patrols throughout the distribution of the species on a regular basis. Improved laws and enforcement is required on the west coast to reduce illegal netting of the species. UNEVALUATED