The Galjoen (Coracinus capensis) National Fish Of South Africa
What You Need To Know About The National Fish Of South Africa... The Galjoen
The Galjoen is endemic to our coastal waters. It is confined mostly to shallow water and is often found in rough surf amongst rocks and also occurs close into shore. The colours of the Galjoen vary depending on where they live for example the Galjoen that inhabit rocky areas are almost completely black, while in sandy areas the colour of the Galjoen is a silver-bronze. The Galjoen is also referred to as the Blackfish, Black Bream or Damba. The Galjoen is South Africa's national fish species and was made the national fish because of the fact that it was one of the first endemic fish to be found along the South African coast.
The Galjoen is a popular Rock and Surf South African fish species. It is often caught in the same areas as Blacktail, Bronze Bream and Stonebream.
The diet of the Galjoen consists mainly of red bait, mussels and barnacles. Red bait forms 75% of the Galjoen's diet and the Galjoen (Damba) also feeds on red and green seaweed. Seven-nine vertical bars occur on each flank. The Galjoen belongs to the marine bream family of fish.
How To Catch The South African Galjoen
The Galjoen is mainly targeted on light tackle off the rocks or along sandy beaches... The best baits to use for the Galjoen are by far red bait and white mussel. Prawn, Chokka, Bloodworm and even Sardine also produce great results when targeting Galjoen. Any other marine worm also gets this strong fighting fish to bite. I would recommend a 2/0 or 3/0 hook with 15 pound line, and obviously something a bit heavier or wider in diameter where there are a lot of rocks. Good luck fishing for South Africa's National Fish- The Galjoen!
Galjoen caught by August Leonard Lingnau at Victoria Bay George.
Other Information On The Galjoen
Common Name: Galjoen
Other Names: Damba, Blackfish, Black Bream
Scientific Name: Coracinus Capensis
Habitat: Shallow Water Reefs.
Bait: Wonder Worm, Red Bait, Small Crabs and Sand Mussels.
Eating Quality: The flesh of Galjoen has a bluish tint and is an acquired taste.
Tackle:
Light tackle
Rod no longer than 2.5 meters
6 - 8 kg line
1/0 or a 1 hook
