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Blackback snake blenny (Ophiclinus gracilis) — Clinidae

Blackback snake blenny

Ophiclinus gracilis
Family: Clinidae

The Blackback snake blenny (Ophiclinus gracilis) is a saltwater fish of the family Clinidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The blackback snake blenny is an elongate klipfish (Clinidae) from coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a slender, eel-like, brownish body with a dark back and a long, continuous dorsal fin. As a cryptic bottom-dweller it shelters among weed, seagrass and rocks of shallow coastal water and snaps at small crustaceans. Like many klipfishes it gives birth to live young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackback snake blenny?

The Blackback snake blenny has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Blackback snake blenny live?

The Blackback snake blenny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Blackback snake blenny get?

The Blackback snake blenny grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Blackback snake blenny dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackback snake blenny is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwartrug-slangslijmvis sourced
English name
Blackback snake blenny sourced
Scientific name
Ophiclinus gracilis
Family
Clinidae
Other names
Blackback snakeblenny; Black-back snake-blenny; Black-backed snake blenny; Black-backed snake-blenny; Dark backed snake blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom 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 Ophiclinus

More from the family Clinidae

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