Red List of South African Species

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Least Concern (LC)

Rationale

Crenidens crenidens is distributed from the Red Sea, down the eastern coast of Africa to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and is a Lessepsian immigrant into the eastern Mediterranean Sea from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal. Crenidens crenidens is small bodied and is caught in small quantities throughout its range. This is a widespread species, common and abundant in at least parts of its range. Its distribution overlaps with some marine protected areas within its range but the level of protection within these areas is unknown. Information about the biology and life history of this species is limited and requires additional study. It is listed at Least Concern.

Distribution

Crenidens crenidens is distributed from the Red Sea, along the east African coast to Aliwal Shoal in South Africa, while juveniles have been found as far south as Algoa Bay, South Africa (Heemstra and Heemstra 2004). This species is a Lessepsian immigrant into the eastern Mediterranean Sea from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal (Por 1978).

Population trend

Trend

In the northern part of its distribution C. crenidens is caught year round in small quantities with trammel nets and beach seines and consumed fresh (Fischer and Bianchi 1984). In the southern part it is caught principally for bait with seine nets or on small baited hooks. This species is marketed fresh (for bait) or dried (Fischer and Bianchi 1984). FAO capture production in Saudi Arabia was 17 tonnes in 2000, 638 tonnes in 2002 and 10 tonnes in 2004.

Threats

Current threats to Crenidens crenidens are unknown; however, possible threats include habitat degradation and pollution of estuarine habitats. Further research will be required to determine major threats to this species.

Uses and trade

This species is caught in small quantities and is consumed and also used for bait (Fischer and Bianchi 1984).

Conservation

There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for Crenidens crenidens. Although its distribution overlaps several marine protected areas within its range (World Database of Protected Areas, accessed 11 March 2014) the quality of protection in these protected areas is unknown.

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