About Sandelia capensis (Cuvier, 1829)
Sandelia capensis, commonly known as the Cape kurper, can reach a maximum length of 25 cm and a maximum weight of 200 grams. Its body coloration ranges primarily from yellow to golden brown, with dark markings on the upper dorsal part of the body that extend onto its dorsal and anal fins. Male Cape kurpers are more brightly coloured than females. This fish is endemic to South Africa's Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces, where it occurs in coastal rivers stretching from the Coega River (which empties into Algoa Bay) through the Cape Flats, and northward to the Verlorevlei River. It has also been intentionally introduced to the Clanwilliam Olifants River system. The Cape kurper is a highly adaptable species that lives in a wide variety of aquatic habitats. It can be found in both rocky, faster-flowing streams and slower, heavily vegetated waters, and it shows a clear preference for quiet marginal areas. In these preferred habitats, it shelters among rocks, submerged roots, fallen tree branches, or within dense aquatic vegetation.
