Kingdom Animalia Order Chimaeriformes Genus Callorhinchus Higher classification Callorhinchidae | Phylum Chordata Family Callorhinchidae Scientific name Callorhinchus capensis Rank Species | |
Similar Callorhinchidae, Chimaera, Chondrichthyes, Holocephali, Callorhinchus callorynchus | ||
The Cape elephantfish, josef, or St. Joseph shark (Callorhinchus capensis) is a species of fish in the Callorhinchidae family.
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Description
The Cape elephantfish is a smooth silvery or bronze fish which grows to 120 cm in total length, with a digging proboscis on the front of its snout. The first dorsal spine has a large venomous spine in front of it. There are darker markings on the flanks and head. At maturity, the males have a pair of calcified claspers, paired retractable prepelvic graspers, and a door-knocker-like projection (tentaculum) on their heads.
Distribution
It is found off the coasts of Namibia and South Africa inshore and down to 374 m.
Ecology
The Cape elephantfish eats sea urchins, bivalves, crustaceans, gastropods, worms, and bony fish. Its predators include seals and sharks.
It is oviparous, laying two egg cases at a time. The egg case is large (about 25 cm) and spindle-shaped, with a ragged frill all around it. Females mature at 50 cm, males at 44 cm. Mating and egg laying occurs inshore.