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Kelp holdfast klipfish (Eckloniaichthys scylliorhiniceps) — Gobiesocidae

Kelp holdfast klipfish

Eckloniaichthys scylliorhiniceps
Family: Gobiesocidae

The Kelp holdfast klipfish (Eckloniaichthys scylliorhiniceps) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiesocidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.5 cm
Water
Brackish
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The kelp holdfast klipfish is a very small klipfish (Clinidae) from coastal waters of southern Africa. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, brownish, strongly camouflaged body. Characteristically it lives hidden among the holdfasts and stems of kelp, sheltering among the branches and snapping at small crustaceans and invertebrates; it bears live young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Kelp holdfast klipfish?

The Kelp holdfast klipfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Kelp holdfast klipfish live?

The Kelp holdfast klipfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Kelp holdfast klipfish get?

The Kelp holdfast klipfish grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Kelp holdfast klipfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Kelp holdfast klipfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kelpwortel-klipvis sourced
English name
Kelp holdfast klipfish sourced
Scientific name
Eckloniaichthys scylliorhiniceps
Family
Gobiesocidae
Other names
Weedsucker verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

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

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Gobiesocidae

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