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Rockpool klipfish (Acanthoclinus littoreus) — Plesiopidae

Rockpool klipfish

Acanthoclinus littoreus
Family: Plesiopidae

The Rockpool klipfish (Acanthoclinus littoreus) is a saltwater fish of the family Plesiopidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: New Zealand

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Description

The rockpool klipfish is an elongate rockpool fish (Plesiopidae) from coastal waters around New Zealand. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an eel-like, brownish body with a long, low dorsal fin and a pair of feeler-like pelvic fins. As a bottom-dweller it lives in tide pools among rocks and weed and survives low tide in moist crevices; it hunts small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rockpool klipfish?

The Rockpool klipfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Rockpool klipfish live?

The Rockpool klipfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: New Zealand

How big does the Rockpool klipfish get?

The Rockpool klipfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Rockpool klipfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Rockpool 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

Rockpool klipfish (Acanthoclinus littoreus) — Plesiopidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Genevieve Early, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Rockpool klipfish (Acanthoclinus littoreus) — Plesiopidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Genevieve Early (CC BY 4.0)
Rockpool klipfish (Acanthoclinus littoreus) — Plesiopidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Zachary Robertson, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Rockpool klipfish (Acanthoclinus littoreus) — Plesiopidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) rongoa, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Rockpool klipfish sourced
Scientific name
Acanthoclinus littoreus
Family
Plesiopidae
Other names
Rockfish sourced

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Oceania: New Zealand sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
9.0 verified
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

More from the family Plesiopidae

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