About Lithognathus lithognathus (Cuvier, 1829)
The white steenbras, scientifically named Lithognathus lithognathus, is a fish species belonging to the family Sparidae that is endemic to South Africa. It is currently classified as endangered due to overfishing, which occurs primarily through seine netting operations in False Bay. The species is scheduled to become a 'no keep' species in South Africa. Each year, large breeding shoals of white steenbras are illegally killed by beach seine netters, and authorities do very little to stop this activity. A National Linefish Status Report has identified the white steenbras as a priority for research, management, and conservation.
