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Southern kelpfish (Chironemus georgianus) — Chironemidae

Southern kelpfish

Chironemus georgianus
Family: Chironemidae

The Southern kelpfish (Chironemus georgianus) is a saltwater fish of the family Chironemidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The southern kelpfish is a kelpfish (Chironemidae) from temperate reef waters of southwestern Australia. The species grows to about 35 cm and has an elongate, brown-mottled body with large, downward-set pectoral fins and a sturdy head. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among rocks, kelp and weed and picks small crustaceans, molluscs and worms from the substrate. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Southern kelpfish?

The Southern kelpfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Southern kelpfish live?

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

How big does the Southern kelpfish get?

The Southern kelpfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Southern kelpfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Southern kelpfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Southern kelpfish edible?

Yes, the Southern kelpfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zuidelijke kelpvis sourced
English name
Southern kelpfish sourced
Scientific name
Chironemus georgianus
Family
Chironemidae
Other names
Large kelp fish; Little kelp fish; Southern kelpfish; Tasseled kelpfish; Tasselled kelpfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Chironemus

More from the family Chironemidae

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