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Bluespotted klipfish (Pavoclinus caeruleopunctatus) — Clinidae

Bluespotted klipfish

Pavoclinus caeruleopunctatus
Family: Clinidae

The Bluespotted klipfish (Pavoclinus caeruleopunctatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Clinidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–6.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Bluespotted 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 Bluespotted klipfish?

The Bluespotted klipfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Bluespotted klipfish live?

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

How big does the Bluespotted klipfish get?

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

Is the Bluespotted klipfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bluespotted klipfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Blauwstip-klipvis sourced
English name
Bluespotted klipfish sourced
Scientific name
Pavoclinus caeruleopunctatus
Family
Clinidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
10 inferred
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
6.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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