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Humped shore eel (Alabes gibbosa) — Gobiesocidae

Humped shore eel

Alabes gibbosa
Family: Gobiesocidae

The Humped shore eel (Alabes gibbosa) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiesocidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9.1 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
2.0–4.0 m
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Algae or seagrass meadow
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The humped shore eel is an eel-like clingfish relative (Gobiesocidae) from shallow coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a strongly elongate, smooth, scaleless body with strongly reduced fins and a slightly humped back. As a bottom-dweller it creeps among weed, seagrass and tide pools and snaps at small crustaceans and invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Humped shore eel?

The Humped shore eel has a snake-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Humped shore eel live?

The Humped shore eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Humped shore eel get?

The Humped shore eel grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Humped shore eel dangerous to humans?

No, the Humped shore eel 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
Humped shore eel sourced
Scientific name
Alabes gibbosa
Family
Gobiesocidae
Other names
Hunchback shore eel sourced

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Algae or seagrass meadow sourced
Min depth (m)
2.0 verified
Max depth (m)
4.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia 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 Alabes

More from the family Gobiesocidae

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