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Chameleon clinid (Malacoctenus tetranemus) — Labrisomidae

Chameleon clinid

Malacoctenus tetranemus
Family: Labrisomidae

The Chameleon clinid (Malacoctenus tetranemus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labrisomidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
6.0–23.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The chameleon clinid is a small blenny-like fish (Labrisomidae) from the eastern Pacific, off Central and South America. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky, mottled body with fringe-like appendages above the eyes, whose colour can change strongly. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among stones, algae and crevices of shallow rocky reefs and snaps at small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Chameleon clinid?

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

Where does the Chameleon clinid live?

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

How big does the Chameleon clinid get?

The Chameleon clinid grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Chameleon clinid dangerous to humans?

No, the Chameleon clinid is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kameleon-slijmvis sourced
English name
Chameleon clinid sourced
Scientific name
Malacoctenus tetranemus
Family
Labrisomidae
Other names
Throatspotted blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.5 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
Min depth (m)
6.0 verified
Max depth (m)
23.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes 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 Malacoctenus

More from the family Labrisomidae

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