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Elongate klipfish (Cancelloxus elongatus) — Clinidae

Elongate klipfish

Cancelloxus elongatus
Family: Clinidae

The Elongate klipfish (Cancelloxus elongatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Clinidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
10.0–25.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: South Africa

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Description

The elongate klipfish is a klipfish (Clinidae) from cool rocky shores and weedy waters of southern Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a very slender, elongate, brown to greenish body with a long, spiny dorsal fin, perfectly camouflaged among weed and seagrass. 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 Elongate klipfish?

The Elongate klipfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Elongate klipfish live?

The Elongate klipfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: South Africa

How big does the Elongate klipfish get?

The Elongate klipfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Elongate klipfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Elongate klipfish 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Elongate klipfish sourced
Scientific name
Cancelloxus elongatus
Family
Clinidae
Other names
Whiteblotched klipfish sourced

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
25.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: South Africa 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 Cancelloxus

More from the family Clinidae

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