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Twotone fingerfin (Chirodactylus brachydactylus) — Cheilodactylidae

Twotone fingerfin

Chirodactylus brachydactylus

The Twotone fingerfin (Chirodactylus brachydactylus) is a saltwater fish of the family Cheilodactylidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–240.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The twotone fingerfin is a morwong (Latridae) from coastal waters of southern Africa. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a deep, pale body with dark crossbands and a few free, finger-like lower pectoral rays with which it feels over the bottom. As a bottom-dweller it lives around rocky reefs and searches for small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Twotone fingerfin?

The Twotone fingerfin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Twotone fingerfin live?

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

How big does the Twotone fingerfin get?

The Twotone fingerfin grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.

Is the Twotone fingerfin dangerous to humans?

No, the Twotone 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 Twotone fingerfin edible?

Yes, the Twotone fingerfin is commonly eaten.

More photos

Twotone fingerfin (Chirodactylus brachydactylus) — Cheilodactylidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Peter Southwood (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Twotone fingerfin (Chirodactylus brachydactylus) — Cheilodactylidae — 3
iNaturalist (no rights reserved)
Twotone fingerfin (Chirodactylus brachydactylus) — Cheilodactylidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Peter Southwood, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA))
Twotone fingerfin (Chirodactylus brachydactylus) — Cheilodactylidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Peter Southwood (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Twotone fingerfin sourced
Scientific name
Chirodactylus brachydactylus
Family
Cheilodactylidae
Other names
Twotone fingerfin; Two-tone fingerfin; Butterfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
40.0 verified
Average length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
240.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: Mozambique, 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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