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Smallfringe kelp blenny (Auchenionchus microcirrhis) — Labrisomidae

Smallfringe kelp blenny

Auchenionchus microcirrhis
Family: Labrisomidae

The Smallfringe kelp blenny (Auchenionchus microcirrhis) is a saltwater fish of the family Labrisomidae that grows up to 22 cm.

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

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Description

The smallfringe 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 small fringes 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 Smallfringe kelp blenny?

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

Where does the Smallfringe kelp blenny live?

The Smallfringe kelp blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Chile

How big does the Smallfringe kelp blenny get?

The Smallfringe kelp blenny grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.

Is the Smallfringe kelp blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Smallfringe 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Smallfringe kelp blenny sourced
Scientific name
Auchenionchus microcirrhis
Family
Labrisomidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.2 verified
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
Stone or rock 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
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. 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

Fin

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