Home · Chironemidae · Horseshoe kelpfish
Horseshoe kelpfish (Chironemus bicornis) — Chironemidae

Horseshoe kelpfish

Chironemus bicornis
Family: Chironemidae

The Horseshoe kelpfish (Chironemus bicornis) is a saltwater fish of the family Chironemidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Juan Fernández, Desventuradas Is

Want the complete picture on the Horseshoe kelpfish?

Get the app

Description

The horseshoe kelpfish is a kelpfish (Chironemidae) from temperate reef waters of southeastern Australia. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, brown-mottled body with large, downward-set pectoral fins and a sturdy head. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among rocks, kelp and weed and picks small crustaceans, molluscs and worms from the substrate. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Horseshoe kelpfish?

The Horseshoe kelpfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Horseshoe kelpfish live?

The Horseshoe kelpfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Juan Fernández, Desventuradas Is

How big does the Horseshoe kelpfish get?

The Horseshoe kelpfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Horseshoe kelpfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Horseshoe kelpfish 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.

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Horseshoe kelpfish?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Horseshoe kelpfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →

All data

Identification

English name
Horseshoe kelpfish sourced
Scientific name
Chironemus bicornis
Family
Chironemidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30 sourced
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Juan Fernández, Desventuradas Is 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

Same genus Chironemus

More from the family Chironemidae

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Horseshoe kelpfish?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Horseshoe kelpfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →
Is this the Horseshoe kelpfish? Get the app