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Variabletooth klipfish (Clinus heterodon) — Clinidae

Variabletooth klipfish

Clinus heterodon
Family: Clinidae

The Variabletooth klipfish (Clinus heterodon) is a saltwater fish of the family Clinidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The variabletooth klipfish is a klipfish (Clinidae) from cool rocky shores and weedy waters of southern Africa. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, slender, brown to greenish body with marbling that camouflages it among weed and seagrass, and a long, spiny dorsal fin. As a bottom-dweller it shelters in algal beds, tide pools and crevices and snaps at small crustaceans, snails and worms. It gives birth to live young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Variabletooth klipfish?

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

Where does the Variabletooth klipfish live?

The Variabletooth klipfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Variabletooth klipfish get?

The Variabletooth klipfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Variabletooth klipfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Variabletooth klipfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Verschiltand-klipvis sourced
English name
Variabletooth klipfish sourced
Scientific name
Clinus heterodon
Family
Clinidae
Other names
Westcoast klipfish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Clinus

More from the family Clinidae

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