Young red stumpnose Chrysoblephus gibbiceps
Photos by Dieter Stegemann
While the red stumpnose does occur in Cape Town waters, it is generally the juvenile which is seen. When small the red bars along the body are vivid in colour - adult specimens have a more faded orange set of bars. Generally the young are seen on reefs further offshore, such as the deeper waters off Castle Rocks and Pyramid. To see it in shallow, 6 m waters around the barge at Long Beach is thus unusual. Here it was observed blowing in the sand, probably to uncover small crustacea for lunch. While initially a bit weary, patience was rewarded by getting very close to the fish - this is also rather unusual, as generally they are very skittish and will swim away as soon as possible when approached.
For further details on the red stumpnose, see Coastal Fishes of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay, available directly from SURG.
Coastal fishes of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay, a divers' identification guide, G Zsilavecz, 2005.