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Galjoen

The galjoen, black bream, or blackfish (Dichistius capensis) is a species of marine fish found only along the coast of South Africa. Galjoen is the national fish of South Africa.[1]

Ecology[edit]

Diet[edit]

The species usually feeds on red and coraline seaweed and red bait, small mussels and barnacles found off rocky shores,[1] and appear in particular to be a partial to the white mussels residing in the sandy beaches and inlets of the rocky outcrops along the southern coast.

Home area[edit]

In 2005, the movements of the species were extensively studied. Some 25,000 galjoen were tagged at four sites in reserves in South Africa and their overall movement was found to remain localised, with some 95% of fish studied seeming to indicate a particular area.[3]

Importance to humans[edit]

Fishing[edit]

It is important to local commercial fisheries and is also popular as a game fish.[4]

As food[edit]

Due to their abundance in the shores off South Africa, galjoen is common in South African cuisine. A notable dish is the fish sprinkled with pepper and lemon — or alternatively with lemon, mayonnaise, and melted garlic butter — and served with fresh bread and apricot jam.[5]

As the national fish of South Africa[edit]

Galjoen is the national fish of South Africa. The suggestion to make it the national fish came from Margaret Smith, the wife of ichthyologist J. L. B. Smith, to find a marine equivalent to the springbok.[1]

Etymology[edit]

The scientific name of Coracinus capensis is a reference to its black colour when found in rocky areas, Coracinus meaning "raven" or "black coloured"; in sandy areas it gives off a silver-bronze colour.[1]