Englishman Seabream

Chrysoblephus anglicus

The Englishman Seabream is a marine fish endemic to Southern Africa, specifically from southern Mozambique to Algoa Bay in South Africa. It is recognized by its deep, compressed body and blunt snout. The fish is predominantly reddish with paler undersides and has indistinct darker reddish vertical bars. Its scales are adorned with blue spots forming rows. The Englishman Seabream typically reaches a length of 40 cm, although it can grow up to 100 cm. This species inhabits coral and rocky reefs, usually between depths of 15 and 20 meters, although it can be found deeper, up to 100 meters. It is a reef-associated fish, often seen alone or in small groups, sometimes mingling with other species like C. puniceus. The Englishman Seabream's diet consists of crabs, prawns, bivalves, squid, and occasionally fish. The Englishman Seabream is near threatened due to overfishing, with significant population declines noted in recent decades. It is an important species for the commercial line fishery in KwaZulu-Natal, although its stock has collapsed, leading to management measures to protect it.