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Crevice kelpfish (Gibbonsia montereyensis) — Clinidae

Crevice kelpfish

Gibbonsia montereyensis
Family: Clinidae

The Crevice kelpfish (Gibbonsia montereyensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Clinidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
11 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–21.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Canada, Mexico, USA

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Description

The crevice kelpfish is a small kelpfish (Clinidae) from coastal waters of the northeast Pacific, off the west coast of North America. The species grows to about 11 cm and has an elongate, brown-green to reddish body with a long dorsal fin; the colour matches the surrounding algae. As a bottom-dweller it shelters in crevices and kelp beds of rocky shores and snaps at small crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Crevice kelpfish?

The Crevice kelpfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly green.

Where does the Crevice kelpfish live?

The Crevice kelpfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Canada, Mexico, USA

How big does the Crevice kelpfish get?

The Crevice kelpfish grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Crevice kelpfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Crevice kelpfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Crevice kelpfish (Gibbonsia montereyensis) — Clinidae — 2
Jacob (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Crevice kelpfish (Gibbonsia montereyensis) — Clinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) carterburtlake, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Crevice kelpfish (Gibbonsia montereyensis) — Clinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Stefanie, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Crevice kelpfish (Gibbonsia montereyensis) — Clinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Brandon Huelga, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Crevice kelpfish sourced
Scientific name
Gibbonsia montereyensis
Family
Clinidae
Other names
Crevice kelpfish; Spotted kelpfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
21.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Canada, Mexico, USA sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Gibbonsia

More from the family Clinidae

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