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Shaka longfin (Halimuraena shakai) — Pseudochromidae

Shaka longfin

Halimuraena shakai

The Shaka longfin (Halimuraena shakai) is a saltwater fish of the family Pseudochromidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
12.0–15.0 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Shaka longfin is a small longfin (Plesiopidae) from shallow rocky and reef water of the western Indian Ocean off southern Africa. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, dark body with long, rounded fins and small pale spots. As a shy, nocturnal fish it shelters by day in crevices, holes and under overhanging reef and snaps at small crustaceans at night. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Shaka longfin?

The Shaka longfin has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Shaka longfin live?

The Shaka longfin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Shaka longfin get?

The Shaka longfin grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Shaka longfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Shaka longfin is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Shaka-langvin sourced
English name
Shaka longfin sourced
Scientific name
Halimuraena shakai
Family
Pseudochromidae
Other names
Zulu snakelet sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
12.0 verified
Max depth (m)
15.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
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 Pseudochromidae

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