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Bluntnose klipfish (Clinus cottoides) — Clinidae

Bluntnose klipfish

Clinus cottoides
Family: Clinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bluntnose klipfish (Clinus cottoides) is a brackish-water fish of the family Clinidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Brackish
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The bluntnose klipfish is a klipfish (Clinidae) from the coastal waters around southern Africa. The species has an elongate, laterally compressed body with a long, spiny dorsal fin and a strongly variable colour (green, brown or reddish) that adapts to its surroundings. It inhabits tide pools and shallow rocky shores with seaweed, among which it blends in well. As a bottom predator it feeds on small crustaceans, snails and other invertebrates. It is viviparous. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bluntnose klipfish?

The Bluntnose klipfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Bluntnose klipfish live?

The Bluntnose klipfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Bluntnose klipfish get?

The Bluntnose klipfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Bluntnose klipfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bluntnose klipfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Bluntnose klipfish edible?

The Bluntnose klipfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Botneus-klipvis sourced
English name
Bluntnose klipfish verified
Scientific name
Clinus cottoides
Family
Clinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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 Clinus

More from the family Clinidae

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