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Banded fingerfin (Chirodactylus grandis) — Cheilodactylidae

Banded fingerfin

Chirodactylus grandis

The Banded fingerfin (Chirodactylus grandis) is a saltwater fish of the family Cheilodactylidae that grows up to 180 cm.

Length
180 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–150.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Namibia, South Africa
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The banded fingerfin is a morwong (Cheilodactylidae) from temperate reef waters of southern Africa. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a deep, grey-brown body with broad dark crossbars, thick lips and extended lower pectoral rays that serve as fingers. As a bottom-oriented fish it picks small invertebrates from sand and reef bottoms with those rays. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Banded fingerfin?

The Banded fingerfin has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Banded fingerfin live?

The Banded fingerfin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Namibia, South Africa

How big does the Banded fingerfin get?

The Banded fingerfin grows to a maximum of about 180 cm. On average the species is around 80 cm.

Is the Banded fingerfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Banded fingerfin 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.

Is the Banded fingerfin edible?

Yes, the Banded fingerfin is commonly eaten.

More photos

Banded fingerfin (Chirodactylus grandis) — Cheilodactylidae — 2
P.C. Heemstra (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Banded fingerfin (Chirodactylus grandis) — Cheilodactylidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Georgina Jones, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA))
Banded fingerfin (Chirodactylus grandis) — Cheilodactylidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Peter Southwood (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Banded fingerfin (Chirodactylus grandis) — Cheilodactylidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Georgina Jones, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Banded fingerfin sourced
Scientific name
Chirodactylus grandis
Family
Cheilodactylidae
Other names
Bank steenbras verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
180.0 verified
Average length (cm)
80.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
150.0 verified
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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 Chirodactylus

More from the family Cheilodactylidae

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