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Spotted klipfish (Auchenionchus variolosus) — Labrisomidae

Spotted klipfish

Auchenionchus variolosus
Family: Labrisomidae

The Spotted klipfish (Auchenionchus variolosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labrisomidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Chile

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Description

The spotted klipfish is a klipfish (Labrisomidae) from coastal waters of the southeast Pacific, off Chile and Peru. The species grows to about 18 cm and has an elongate, brownish body with dark blotches and a fairly large mouth. As a bottom-oriented ambush hunter it shelters among rocks and weed of shallow coastal water and hunts small crustaceans, molluscs and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spotted klipfish?

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

Where does the Spotted klipfish live?

The Spotted klipfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Chile

How big does the Spotted klipfish get?

The Spotted klipfish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Spotted klipfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotted 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

Spotted klipfish (Auchenionchus variolosus) — Labrisomidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) jorgelaras, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Spotted klipfish (Auchenionchus variolosus) — Labrisomidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Tamara Zárate, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Spotted klipfish (Auchenionchus variolosus) — Labrisomidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) pablo_zamora, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Spotted klipfish (Auchenionchus variolosus) — Labrisomidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) pablo_zamora, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Spotted klipfish sourced
Scientific name
Auchenionchus variolosus
Family
Labrisomidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom 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
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

Same genus Auchenionchus

More from the family Labrisomidae

Fin

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