Red Steenbras
Red steenbras is a large, deep-water sparid found nowhere else on earth — it's endemic to South Africa.
Once a prized target for both commercial and recreational boat anglers along the south and east coasts, populations have been hammered by decades of overfishing.
Today it sits on the IUCN endangered list, and regulations governing its take have shifted repeatedly. Catching one from a boat over deep reef is still possible, but conservation awareness now shapes how most serious anglers approach this fish.
Scientific Name: Petrus rupestris
Also known as Copper steenbras, Rooivis
- Robust, deep-bodied sparid with a coppery-red to brick-red coloration across the flanks, fading to a paler belly — the color is distinctive and hard to confuse with other local species.
- Large, prominent teeth and a strong jaw built for crushing hard-shelled prey on rocky reef.
- Most fish encountered by recreational anglers run 5–15 kg; fish over 30 kg exist and specimens approaching 40 kg have been recorded from the Agulhas Banks and Transkei coast.
- The only member of its genus — no close lookalike in South African waters once you've seen the copper-red body and heavy build.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Endemic to South Africa — found nowhere else in the world, ranging from the Western Cape coast through to KwaZulu-Natal.
- Juveniles (up to around 3–4 kg) turn up in shallower inshore reef areas such as False Bay; larger adults move into deeper offshore reef and rocky bottom, typically well offshore.
- The Agulhas Banks and the Transkei coast are regarded as the core adult habitat, where fish in the 30–40 kg class have historically been taken.
- The genus name Petrus derives from the Greek for 'rock' — these fish are tied to hard, rocky bottom structure at depth.
Key Locations
- Transkei coast — regarded by experienced boat anglers as the best area for large adults, with fish in the 30–40 kg class historically taken here.
- Agulhas Banks — deep offshore reef here holds adult fish; Struisbaai has been a known landing point for larger specimens.
- False Bay (Western Cape) — juvenile fish to around 3–4 kg are present around rocky reef; spots like Smitswinkel Bay and Bellows Rock have produced fish for divers and boat anglers.
Specific Spots
- Deep rocky reef and broken bottom offshore — fish hold tight to structure, so working directly over reef edges and drop-offs puts baits in front of them.
- In False Bay, juvenile fish concentrate around rocky outcrops and reef walls; spots like Smitswinkel Bay and Bellows Rock have produced fish for divers and boat anglers.
- On the Agulhas Banks and Transkei coast, deep-water reef in the 80–100 m range is where the larger adults are found — the fish in the 39.5 kg class referenced by anglers came from around 98 m.
- Shore fishing for this species is rare; the occasional fish has been landed from rocky headlands, but boat access to offshore reef is the realistic approach for most anglers.
Red Steenbras FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Red Steenbras?
Whole sardines (Natal sardines) and mackerel are the most consistently mentioned natural baits, fish them on the bottom over reef at depth. Shad (elf) is another commonly used bait on the Transkei and Agulhas Banks; fresh, whole baitfish outperforms cut bait when targeting larger fish.
When is the best time to fish for Red Steenbras?
A closed season applies during October and November (spawning period), no fishing is permitted during this time under current regulations.
How do you catch Red Steenbras?
Boat fishing over deep rocky reef is the primary method, with whole sardine or mackerel baits presented on the bottom in 80–100 m of water on the Transkei coast and Agulhas Banks. Shore fishing is possible but rare, limited to a handful of rocky headland spots.
What do Red Steenbras eat?
Feeds heavily on sardines (Natal sardines) and other baitfish, anglers fishing the Transkei coast report coppers spitting up whole fresh sardines, making whole sardine or mackerel baits the go-to presentation on deep reef.
Where do Red Steenbras live?
Endemic to South Africa, found nowhere else in the world, ranging from the Western Cape coast through to KwaZulu-Natal. Juveniles (up to around 3–4 kg) turn up in shallower inshore reef areas such as False Bay; larger adults move into deeper offshore reef and rocky bottom, typically well offshore.
See it in the app
Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Red Steenbras.
- 01 · Species map filter
Map every Red Steenbras water
Pick Red Steenbras and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.
- 02 · Waterbody species
Tap any water. See what lives there.
Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.
- 03 · Angler Intelligence
Ask how to catch Red Steenbras
Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.
Stop guessing where Red Steenbras are.
Open the map, filter by Red Steenbras, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.
- Species map filter
- Angler Intelligence
- Fishing journal
Explore other species
Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.
No species information available.
Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.
onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.