Bluntnose Klipfish

Clinus cottoides

Bluntnose Klipfish are small reef fish found in the subtropical waters around South Africa, particularly in tide pools. They have a slightly compressed body and a small head with a wedge-shaped snout. Notable features include a cluster of 4 to 5 tentacles above each eye and a characteristic dark spot on the operculum. Their coloration ranges from yellow to dark brown, often with 4 to 7 distinct bars along the body. Young individuals display two dark stripes radiating from the eye towards the operculum, separated by intermittent blue spots. These fish inhabit marine and brackish environments and are typically found in demersal zones. They have a varied diet consisting of benthic organisms such as algae, crustaceans, mollusks, and polychaete worms. Bluntnose Klipfish are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. Males tend to have higher reproductive rates, leading to a polygynandrous mating system. Divers encountering Bluntnose Klipfish might observe them dwelling in tide pools, where they are harmless to humans. The species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.