Hottentot

Introduction: Hottentot (Pachymetopon blochii) are a plump looking fish that frequents both shallow and deep-water reefs. Commercial and sport anglers catch them on line from the shore and dinghy. Spearfishermen also catch Hottentot which are popular in restaurants. Pachymetopon means 'thick forehead' and blochii comes from the renowned ichthyologist, Bloch. The common name Hottentot refers to indigenous beachcombers selling this fish to early settlers.

Distribution: The entire length of the Namibian coastline including Möwe Bay, Terrace Bay, Torra Bay, Sandwich Harbour and Penguin Island.

Diet: Red, brown and green seaweeds, amphipods, crabs, shrimps, anchovies and redbait.

Colouration: Bluish-grey overall with an upper golden-green sheen and a white belly. The fins are dusky and the pectoral rear axils are black.

Breeding: Sexual maturity is reached at the age of years when the reach a length of 20cm

Max size: 40cm

Max weight: 3kg