Clinus cottoides
Clinus cottoides, the bluntnose klipfish, is a species of clinid that occurs in subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean around South Africa where it is a denizen of tide pools. This species can reach a maximum length of TL. This species has a varied diet of benthic organisms including algae, crustaceans, mollusks and polychaete worms. Comparing reproductive rates between males and females of the species, males tend to have a higher rate engaging in sexual activity. This results in a polygynandrous mating system.
Description
Body is slightly compressed, a relatively small head with a wedge shaped snout and obtuse profile angle. It has a cluster of 4 - 5 tentacles above each eye. The first 4 - 5 dorsal spines are slightly shorter than the rest, with no notches in the membrane between spines.Colouration is typically yellow to dark brown with 4 to 7 distinct bars. Two dark stripes radiate from the eye towards the operculum, when young, these lines are separated by intermittent blue spots. It has a characteristic dark spot on the operculum and very large, dark eyes. The center of the eye is slightly behind the edge of lips.