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Keke (Aplodactylus arctidens) — Aplodactylidae

Keke

Aplodactylus arctidens

The Keke (Aplodactylus arctidens) is a saltwater fish of the family Aplodactylidae that grows up to 65 cm.

Length
65 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–40.0 m
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The marblefish is a reef fish of the family Aplodactylidae from the temperate waters around southern Australia and New Zealand. The species grows to about 65 cm and has an elongate, grey-brown mottled body. It inhabits weedy reef slopes in shallow to moderately deep coastal water. It is one of the few predominantly herbivorous marine fishes of temperate regions: with its flattened, lobed teeth it grazes mainly red algae, also taking in the small invertebrates living on the weed. The marblefish is a common reef dweller and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Keke?

The Keke has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Keke live?

The Keke lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Keke get?

The Keke grows to a maximum of about 65 cm.

Is the Keke dangerous to humans?

No, the Keke is harmless to humans.

Is the Keke edible?

The Keke is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Marmervis sourced
English name
Keke verified
Scientific name
Aplodactylus arctidens
Family
Aplodactylidae
Other names
Kelpies; Marbled kelpfish; Marblefish; Sea carp verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
65.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
40.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Aplodactylus

More from the family Aplodactylidae

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