Blackbelly rosefish

Introduction: Blackbelly rosefish (Helicolenus dactylopterus) are also called jacopever. A distinguishing feature of Scorpaenid fishes are the presence of spines of the head. It is a very spiny fish, many in the fins with many sharp projections from the head and gill covers. Helicolenus means 'strong elbow or arm' and dactylopterus is 'finger-fin' referring to the free pectoral rays. The South African name jacopever is derived from Jacob Evertsen, an early Dutch sailor, who sported a ruddy complexion and prominent eyes. His crew couldn't resist naming him after this fish.

Distribution: Offshore banks and reefs between 50 and 600m from the Orange River to Luderitz and on to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay

Diet: Krills, mysids, mantis shrimps, crabs and squid

Colouration: Overall red-orange with a white belly and chest. There are a number of brown blotches along the base of the dorsal fin

Breeding: Breeds in January, releasing eggs into the water, hatching after a short pelagic life

Max size: 40cm