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Mouse klipfish (Fucomimus mus) — Clinidae

Mouse klipfish

Fucomimus mus
Family: Clinidae

The Mouse klipfish (Fucomimus mus) is a saltwater fish of the family Clinidae that grows up to 10 cm.

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

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Description

The mouse klipfish is a klipfish (Clinidae) from cool rocky shores and weedy waters of southern Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has an elongate, slender, brown to greyish 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, tide pools and crevices and snaps at small crustaceans, snails and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Mouse klipfish?

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

Where does the Mouse klipfish live?

The Mouse klipfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: South Africa

How big does the Mouse klipfish get?

The Mouse klipfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Mouse klipfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Mouse 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Mouse klipfish sourced
Scientific name
Fucomimus mus
Family
Clinidae
Other names
Mousey klipfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 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: 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

More from the family Clinidae

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