Bostrychus africanus (Steindachner 1879)

Diagnosis: 42-58 predorsal scales (Ref. 57413, 81660), extending to interorbital space (Ref. 57413). Cheek and opercle scaled (Ref. 81660). Small scales on operculum and preoperculum; 76-86 (perhaps up to 94) scales in longitudinal series (including 4 or more scales on caudal fin); 31-40 scales in rearward transverse series; 1st dorsal fin: VI; 2nd dorsal fin: I,9; anal fin: I,8; pectoral fins: 16 (Ref. 57413, 81660). Caudal fin rounded with 17 segmented rays, 15 of which are branched (Ref. 57413).Coloration: Preserved specimens: dark brown or black, lighter ventrally (Ref. 57413, 81660). Several dark, vertical bars present along midline of flanks, last at base of caudal fin (Ref. 57413). Fins dark; a distinct dark spot on dorsal margin of caudal fin near its base; ventral margins of anal and caudal fins white; pelvics with white lateral margins (Ref. 57413, 81660).

Amphidromous. Refers to fishes that regularly migrate between freshwater and the sea (in both directions), but not for the purpose of breeding, as in anadromous and catadromous species. Sub-division of diadromous. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.Characteristic elements in amphidromy are: reproduction in fresh water, passage to sea by newly hatched larvae, a period of feeding and growing at sea usually a few months long, return to fresh water of well-grown juveniles, a further period of feeding and growing in fresh water, followed by reproduction there (Ref. 82692).

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 8

Found in estuaries and other brackish-water environments; occasionally entering freshwater (Ref. 57413, 81660). Food items include small crabs (Ref. 10812).

fisheries: of no interest