Clinus venustris

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Clinus venustris, the speckled klipfish, is a small subtropical fish found along the southern African coast from Namibia to South Africa. It lives on rocky reefs and in tide pools, from the intertidal zone down to about 30 meters deep, and it doesn’t usually swim over sandy areas.

This species grows to about 12 centimeters long. It feeds mainly on small invertebrates such as amphipods, isopods, mysids, and echinoderms.

Clinus venustris has a slender body and a color pattern that varies a lot. It is typically buff with a mix of colors like pink, olive, brown, red, or yellow. Many individuals show vertical bars and small dots, but some are more uniformly colored. Notable features include yellow-edged dark spots on the first few dorsal spines and a striking eye pattern with green and orange bands and a bright yellow iris. The dorsal fin has a distinctive shape, and the fish’s overall appearance can be quite mottled.

Juveniles look similar to adults. The fish is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young. It is usually cautious and sometimes seen in pairs in a rock pool, approachable if you move slowly.

Conservation status: Least Concern.