Hottentot (Pachymetopon blochii)
a Member of the seabream family (Sparidae) and is endemic to Southern Africa. It is one of the more abundant seabream species in the Western Cape. South African stocks are considered to be optimally exploited although catch curves suggest a downward trend in this species. They are also thought to be one of the most under-reported species, with catches possibly seven times higher than what is reported. This species is also likely to have come under increasing fishing pressure through the granting of interim relief fishing rights which permit targeting of this species. Hottentot are a resident species associated with rocky reefs and kelp beds. They are a relatively resilient species and reach sexual maturity at 5 years, they also spawn all year round; however, their resident nature makes them vulnerable to local overexploitation.
Hottentot can be found around the reefs directly south of the Agulhas Lighthouse all year round.
The minimum size limit is 22cm for recreati
onal and commercial fishers.
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Neil Bezuidenhout
