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Eigenmann's weedfish (Ribeiroclinus eigenmanni) — Clinidae

Eigenmann's weedfish

Ribeiroclinus eigenmanni
Family: Clinidae

The Eigenmann's weedfish (Ribeiroclinus eigenmanni) is a saltwater fish of the family Clinidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–17.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Trind. M.Vaz Is.

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Description

Eigenmann's weedfish is a klipfish (Clinidae) from cool rocky shores and weedy waters of the southwest Atlantic off South America. The species grows to about 10 cm and has an elongate, slender, brown to greenish body with marbling that camouflages it among weed and seagrass, and a long, spiny dorsal fin. As a bottom-dweller it shelters in algal beds and crevices and snaps at small crustaceans, snails and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Eigenmann's weedfish?

The Eigenmann's weedfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Eigenmann's weedfish live?

The Eigenmann's weedfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Trind. M.Vaz Is.

How big does the Eigenmann's weedfish get?

The Eigenmann's weedfish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Eigenmann's weedfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Eigenmann's weedfish 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

Eigenmann's weedfish (Ribeiroclinus eigenmanni) — Clinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Gonzalo Bravo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Eigenmann's weedfish (Ribeiroclinus eigenmanni) — Clinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Jonatan Ferrada, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Eigenmann's weedfish (Ribeiroclinus eigenmanni) — Clinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Gonzalo Bravo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Eigenmann's weedfish sourced
Scientific name
Ribeiroclinus eigenmanni
Family
Clinidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
17.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Trind. M.Vaz Is. 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

More from the family Clinidae

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