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Kelp blenny (Auchenionchus crinitus) — Labrisomidae

Kelp blenny

Auchenionchus crinitus
Family: Labrisomidae

The Kelp blenny (Auchenionchus crinitus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labrisomidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Chile

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Description

The kelp blenny is a labrisomid blenny (Labrisomidae) from cool coastal waters of the southeast Pacific, off Chile and Peru. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, brown-green body with dark bars, a sturdy head and cirri above the eyes. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among rocks, kelp and weed and hunts small crustaceans, molluscs and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Kelp blenny?

The Kelp blenny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Kelp blenny live?

The Kelp blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Chile

How big does the Kelp blenny get?

The Kelp blenny grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Kelp blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Kelp blenny 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

Kelp blenny (Auchenionchus crinitus) — Labrisomidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) maximiliano_fz, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Kelp blenny (Auchenionchus crinitus) — Labrisomidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Bastian Riveros Flores, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Kelp blenny sourced
Scientific name
Auchenionchus crinitus
Family
Labrisomidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20 sourced
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Chile 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
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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 Auchenionchus

More from the family Labrisomidae

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