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Vagabond butterflyfish
The vagabond butterflyfish is identifiable by its complex colour pattern. Vertical black bands run across its eyes and between its tail and body. Eight thin, black stripes run from its dorsal fin to its face, and fourteen more stripes intercept these from its sides. It is visually similar to the closely related threadfin butterflyfish, but lacks the eyespot and dorsal fin filament. Vagabond butterflyfish inhabit lagoons, reefs and river mouths across Africa’s east coast, the Red Sea and Japan. These butterflyfish form monogamous pairs that defend their feeding territory. Together the duo search for worms, algae and crustaceans to supplement their omnivorous diet. IUCN status is Least Concern with stable populations.Threadfin butterflyfish
Threadfin butterflyfish have predominantly white faces and bodies, with yellow hindquarters.
Pineapplefish
The pineapplefish is an unusual visitor to the Cape, usually preferring the warm waters of the Indian Ocean reefs and rocky shores. It is a nocturnal predator, using bioluminescent lures to attract small prey close to its hiding place.
Breede river redfin
The Breede River redfin lives only in the streams of the Cape Fold mountains.
Clanwilliam sawfin
The Clanwilliam sawfin lives only in deep pools in the Olifants River system in the Western Cape.
Moggel
These fish live in summer rainfall areas in many of South Africa’s river systems, including the Orange-Vaal system, the Gourits, Gamtoos, Great Fish and Bushmans systems.They prefer standing or gently flowing water, and unlike many other indigenous fish, thrive in dams.In summer, they migrate upstream after rains, and spawn over flooded grassy river banks. Each female produces about 250 000 eggs, which hatch within 2 days. The larvae swim to the surface, and are lifted by the current and carried into deeper water, before the floodwaters subside altogether.Banded tilapia
Banded tilapia live in the Orange River, rivers on KwaZulu-Natal south coast, southern Congo tributaries, Lake Malawi and the Zambezi.
Cape kurper
Cape kurpers live in southern and southwestern Cape coastal rivers, and were also introduced into the Clanwilliam Olifants River system.
Benguela compass jelly
The compass jelly is one of three species that are endemic to the South African coast.
Comb jelly
Comb jellies are not jellies at all, but their bodies are made up of a similar jelly substance.
Blue blubber jelly
Blue blubber jellies come in many colours, including brown, maroon, cyan and white.
Upside down jelly
Upside down jellies are commonly found in mangrove ecosystems and can tolerate a wide salinity range.