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Hermit longfin (Chlidichthys clibanarius) — Pseudochromidae

Hermit longfin

Chlidichthys clibanarius

The Hermit longfin (Chlidichthys clibanarius) is a saltwater fish of the family Pseudochromidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–18.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Comoros, Madagascar, Seychelles

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Description

The Hermit longfin is a longfin dottyback (Pseudochromidae) from reef water of the western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender body with a long, continuous dorsal fin and often bright colours. As a shy, territorial fish it darts from crevice to crevice along coral and rock and snaps at small crustaceans and worms. Many relatives can change sex. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Hermit longfin?

The Hermit longfin has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Hermit longfin live?

The Hermit longfin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Comoros, Madagascar, Seychelles

How big does the Hermit longfin get?

The Hermit longfin grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Hermit longfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Hermit longfin 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
Hermit longfin sourced
Scientific name
Chlidichthys clibanarius
Family
Pseudochromidae
Other names
Chainmail dottyback sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
18.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: Comoros, Madagascar, Seychelles sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes 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 Chlidichthys

More from the family Pseudochromidae

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