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Laurent's klipfish (Pavoclinus laurentii) — Clinidae

Laurent's klipfish

Pavoclinus laurentii
Family: Clinidae

The Laurent's klipfish (Pavoclinus laurentii) is a saltwater fish of the family Clinidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Mozambique, South Africa

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Description

The Laurent's klipfish is a klipfish (Clinidae) from cool rocky shores and tide pools of South Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has an elongate, slender, brown to greenish body with marbling that camouflages it among weed and seagrass, and a long, spiny dorsal fin. As a bottom-dweller it shelters in algal beds and crevices and snaps at small crustaceans, snails and worms. Like many klipfishes it gives birth to live young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Laurent's klipfish?

The Laurent's klipfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Laurent's klipfish live?

The Laurent's klipfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Mozambique, South Africa

How big does the Laurent's klipfish get?

The Laurent's klipfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Laurent's klipfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Laurent's 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

Laurent's klipfish (Pavoclinus laurentii) — Clinidae — 2
SAIAB (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Laurent's klipfish (Pavoclinus laurentii) — Clinidae — 3
SAIAB (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Laurent's klipfish (Pavoclinus laurentii) — Clinidae — 4
P.C. Heemstra (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Laurent's klipfish (Pavoclinus laurentii) — Clinidae — 5
P.C. Heemstra (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Laurent's klipfish sourced
Scientific name
Pavoclinus laurentii
Family
Clinidae
Other names
Rippled klipfish sourced

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Africa: Mozambique, 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 Pavoclinus

More from the family Clinidae

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