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Geelbek
Geelbek
(Atractoscion aequidens)
Source: http://sacoast.uwc.ac.za/education/resources/fishyfacts/geelbek.htm
Identification
Geelbek is an elongate, robust fish bluish to coppery above and white below. The mouth and inner surface of the gill covers are a conspicuous yellow. the tail is marginate which clearly distinguishes it from the other similar kob species.
Distribution
Geelbek is a widely distributed cosmopolitan species found on the east and west coast of Africa and the east coast of Australia. In South Africa the geelbek stock is distributed from Cape Agulhas to southern Mozambique. It is a shoaling species found in depths of up to 100m. Juveniles and sub-adults occur in the south-western Cape, whilst adults undertake a seasonal spawning migration to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Most of the large geelbek arrive in KZN at the same time as the annual sardine run.
Feeding
Geelbek are voracious piscivores. Juveniles feed on small crustaceans and small fish, while adults feed predominantly on pilchards and maasbanker.
Reproduction
Geelbek mature at a size between 510mm and 900mm. Spawning occurs in deep water off the KZN coast during winter and spring (July to November). Eggs and young fish are transported southwards by the inshore peripheral waters of the Agulhas current. After spawning off the KwaZulu-Natal coast, adults migrate back to the Cape dispersing over the Agulhas Banks during summer.
Growth
Geelbek are a fairly fast growing species with a maximum age of about 10 years. sexual maturity is reached at an age of about 5 years.
Fishery
The geelbek is an important species in the South African line fishery and is targeted throughout its distribution range. Large quantities of geelbek are caught by lineboats operating on the Agulhas Banks during the summer months. In KwaZulu-Natal only adult geelbek are caught during their winter/spring spawning aggregation. Most geelbek are caught from skiboats although a number are taken by shore and spear fishermen during the sardine run. It is estimated that numbers of mature geelbek have been reduced to about 25% of their unfished level.
Management
Categorised as an exploitable species
Minimum size of 60cm
Commercial fishermen have no bag limit
Recreational anglers and spear fishermen are allowed 10 per person per day
The species are threatened by sport anglers who exceed their bag limits and who illegally sell their catch.