Hake, Cape (Capensis)
Cape Hake is found in the waters off the southwestern coast of Africa, from Namibia to South Africa. It is a commercially important fish popular in recreational fishing.
Cape Hake (Merluccius capensis) is a species of hake found in the waters off the southwestern coast of Africa, from Namibia to South Africa. It is a commercially important fish and is also popular in recreational fishing.
Appearance
Cape hake has a long, slender body with a tapered head and large eyes. It has a silver-grey color on its back and sides, with a white underside. Cape hake has two dorsal fins, with the first being spiny and the second being soft. It has a pointed tail and can grow up to 1.5 meters in length.
Habitat
Cape hake are found in a variety of habitats, including rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, and offshore waters. They are typically found in depths ranging from 100 to 500 meters and are often associated with underwater structures such as seamounts.
Fishing and Seasonality
Cape hake is a commercially important fish and is often caught using bottom trawl nets. It is typically harvested year-round, with the peak season varying depending on the region. In addition to commercial fishing, cape hake is also popular in recreational fishing. It is often caught using baitcasting or spinning reels with live or cut bait such as squid or sardines.
Culinary
Cape hake is highly valued for its mild, flaky meat and is a popular choice for seafood dishes such as fish and chips, fish tacos, and seafood stews. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, grilling, and frying.
Conservation
Cape hake populations are considered stable, but there are concerns about overfishing and habitat loss, especially in areas with high commercial fishing pressure. In response, many fisheries management plans have been implemented to help ensure the sustainability of wild populations, including size and bag limits, gear restrictions, and seasonal closures. Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to develop sustainable fishing practices for cape hake and other fish species as a way to reduce pressure on wild populations. Conservation groups are also working to protect the habitats of cape hake and other marine species through initiatives such as marine protected areas and sustainable fishing certification programs.