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Snaky klipfish (Blennophis anguillaris) — Clinidae

Snaky klipfish

Blennophis anguillaris
Family: Clinidae

The Snaky klipfish (Blennophis anguillaris) is a saltwater fish of the family Clinidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Namibia, South Africa

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Description

The snaky klipfish is an elongate klipfish (Clinidae) from coastal waters of southern Africa. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a strongly elongate, eel-like, brownish body with a long, continuous dorsal fin. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among rocks and seaweed of shallow coastal water and hunts small crustaceans and molluscs. Like many klipfishes it gives birth to live young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Snaky klipfish?

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

Where does the Snaky klipfish live?

The Snaky klipfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Africa: Namibia, South Africa

How big does the Snaky klipfish get?

The Snaky klipfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Snaky klipfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Snaky 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

Snaky klipfish (Blennophis anguillaris) — Clinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Di Boonman, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Snaky klipfish (Blennophis anguillaris) — Clinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) kenhutchings, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Snaky klipfish (Blennophis anguillaris) — Clinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Georgina Jones, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA))
Snaky klipfish (Blennophis anguillaris) — Clinidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — P. Oudart (Public domain)
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All data

Identification

English name
Snaky klipfish sourced
Scientific name
Blennophis anguillaris
Family
Clinidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 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
Africa: Namibia, 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
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 Clinidae

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