ongos

Ongos are a type of saltwater fish found in the coastal regions of southern Africa. They are members of the Sparidae family and are closely related to porgies and sea bream. Ongos are characterized by their large size, with adults reaching lengths of up to 60 cm and weighing up to 4 kg.

In terms of their appearance, ongos have a elongated body shape, with a dull grey or bronze color on their back and sides, and a white belly. They have a large mouth and teeth, which are adapted for feeding on a variety of food sources, including crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.

Ongos are found in shallow coastal waters, typically at depths of less than 100 meters. They are commonly encountered in bays, estuaries, and along rocky coastlines. They are a solitary species, only coming together to spawn.

Ongos are considered a food source by many species, including fish, sharks, and marine mammals. They are also targeted by commercial and recreational fisheries, particularly in South Africa. In some areas, ongos are considered an invasive species, outcompeting native fish for food and habitat.

From a conservation perspective, ongos are not considered to be a threatened species. However, their populations are often targeted by fishing gear designed to catch larger species, and their habitat is often impacted by human activities such as coastal development and dredging.