Appearance and lifestyle:
The Spinynose horsefish (Congiopodus spinifer) has spines on its snout just above the mouth and a rough skin. Grows to 35 cm in length. Often caught in great numbers by trawlers and although edible, it is rarely eaten.
Habitat:
Endemic to southern Africa and found off the coast from Walvis Bay on the west coast to Kwa-Zulu Natal on the east coast. Lives on rocky reefs and sandy bottoms at depths between 10 to 146 m.
Diet:
Feeds on crustaceans, molluscs, sea urchins, brittle stars and worms.
Threats:
The Spinynose horsefish is not considered threatened, but some of the threats they face is pollution, bycatch etc.
Tends to be more active at night.
Rarely eaten.