Introduction: The kingklip (Genypterus Capensis) has a very elongate body, tapering to a point at the tail, which bear a close resemblance to a number of eels. Unlike most eels, which are round in cross-section, the kingklip is moderately compressed. There are 4 commercially available varieties of the kingklip ; red, golden, black, and south. They are all similarly shaped, and on the outside differ mainly in the colour of their skin. Apart from the head, the entire boy is covered with minute scales that do not overlap one another.

This is one of Namibia's finest eating fish and considerable numbers are trawled off the coast. It is is also becoming a more common catch on bottom set long lines. The new 200km economic zone should ensure that the species is not over-exploited by foreign fishing fleets. Fresh Kinglklip can often be found on restaurant menu's in the coastal towns of Swakopmund, Luderitz, Walvis Bay & Henties Bay

Distribution: This is a bottom dwelling fish, and it inhabits offshore banks ranging in depth from 50-500m off the Namibian coastline.

Diet: Kingklip have a varied diet that includes small bottom living fishes known collectively as dragonets, mantis shrimps, juvenile jacopever, hake, and also small quantities of megalopa crab larvae and squid.

Colouring: The body is pinkish overall, but somewhat paler below and irregularly marked with brown blotches on the upper flanks. The fins are also darker brown.

Breeding: Spawning occurs primarily from August to October and the juveniles congregate in certain areas, often in shallower water than the adult fish.

Size: A length of 46cm can be attained.

Marine Life | Namibia

Namibia Safari