Cutlassfish

Introduction: Dense shoals of cutlassfish (Trichiurus lepturus) make them vulnerable to net capture. Their pointed tails, barbed fangs and the absence of a pelvic fin assists fishermen in identifying them. Trichiurus means 'hair-like tail' and lepturus refers to their slender tail. They are also known as ribbonfish, walla-walla or hairtail.

Distribution: A wide range throughout Namibian waters generally confined to the continental shelf in shallow sandy waters up to depths of 300m. Numbers around Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, Torra and Terrace Bays, Sandwich Harbour and Luderitz increase during summer in temperate waters.

Diet: Anchovies, small squid, prawns, mantis shrimps and other small, ocean dwelling fish.

Colouration: Overall bright silver with the upper body coloured bluish green.

Breeding: Spawning is usually restricted to females over 70cm.

Max size: 200cm. Max weight: 2.4kg.