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Cape elephantfish
Species of fish From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Cape elephantfish (Callorhinchus capensis), also known as the St Joseph shark or josef, is a species of fish in the family Callorhinchidae.[2]

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Description
The Cape elephantfish is a smooth silvery or bronze fish which grows to 120 cm in total length, with a digging proboscis on the front of its snout. The first dorsal fin has a large venomous spine in front of it. There are darker markings on the flanks and head. At maturity, the males have a pair of calcified claspers, paired retractable prepelvic graspers, and a door-knocker-like projection (tentaculum) on their heads.[2]
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Distribution
It is found off the coasts of Namibia and South Africa inshore and down to 374 m.[3]
Ecology
The Cape elephantfish eats sea urchins, bivalves, crustaceans, gastropods, worms, and bony fish. Its predators include seals and sharks.
It is oviparous, laying two egg cases at a time. The egg case is large (about 25 cm) and spindle-shaped, with a ragged frill all around it. Females mature at 50 cm, males at 44 cm. Mating and egg laying occurs inshore.[1]
References
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