Baardman
Photo by Phil Parr
Juvenile baardman
Photo by Guido Zsilavecz
Baardman are an uncommon species, that is, they are rarely seen by divers. Juveniles like the one shown may occasionally be seen on sandy patches, especially at night, when they swim with a characteristic head-down posture just above the sand, usually between ridges. Larger specimens, like the one Phil Parr photographed, are rarely seen, and the only place where one can see them regularly is where Phil photographed his: the barge at Long Beach. Here they can be found under the metal plates, usually hiding far from the light. Occasionally one can find them deep inside caves as well. The species is only found in False Bay and further east.
The fish bears the name "baardman" - bearded man in Afrikaans, because of a single short, thick barbel under the chin.
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.