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Elongate sand klipfish (Cancelloxus longior) — Clinidae

Elongate sand klipfish

Cancelloxus longior
Family: Clinidae

The Elongate sand klipfish (Cancelloxus longior) is a saltwater fish of the family Clinidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9.1 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–10.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: South Africa

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Description

The elongate sand klipfish is a clinid (Clinidae) from coastal waters of southern Africa. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a very elongate, brownish body with a long, continuous dorsal fin. As a bottom-dweller it lives half-buried among sand and weed of shallow rocky shores and tide pools and snaps at small crustaceans and invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Elongate sand klipfish?

The Elongate sand klipfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Elongate sand klipfish live?

The Elongate sand klipfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: South Africa

How big does the Elongate sand klipfish get?

The Elongate sand klipfish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Elongate sand klipfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Elongate sand 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.

More photos

Elongate sand klipfish (Cancelloxus longior) — Clinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) underwaterwendy, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Elongate sand klipfish (Cancelloxus longior) — Clinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) carel van der Colff, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Elongate sand klipfish (Cancelloxus longior) — Clinidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Peter Southwood (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Elongate sand klipfish (Cancelloxus longior) — Clinidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Fred Fourie, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Elongate sand klipfish sourced
Scientific name
Cancelloxus longior
Family
Clinidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
10.0 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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