Sand steenbras

Introduction: Sand steenbras (Lithognathus mormyrus) are also known as marmora and as the name suggests, they prefer sandy habitats and in particular shallow water, enabling them to remain mostly unnoticed. Lithognathus means 'stone-jawed' a reference to the molar teeth and mormyrus is a Greek name for 'marine fish'.

Distribution: Throughout Namibian coastal waters including Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, Möwe Bay, Henties Bay, Cape Cross, Jakkalsputz and Sandwich Harbour.

Diet: Cracker shrimps, mole crabs and bivalve molluscs.

Colouration: Overall silvery colour with some 14 narrow darker crossbars, which distinguishes them from other similar species. The fins are dusky. Their skin colour is an added advantage, as the darker crossbars on the flanks blend with the pattern of the sandy sea-bed.

Breeding: Spawning occurs in the summer in deep water. Shallow bays are used for nursery areas.

Max size: 50cm

Max weight: 0.8kg