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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

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.

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.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gewone rotskruiper sourced
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
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Plesiopidae

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