Clinus
A genus of clinids from the southeastern Atlantic and Indian Ocean.
Clinus is a genus of fish in the clinid family, native to the southeastern Atlantic Ocean and the western Indian Ocean. Its members are often referred to as klipfish. The genus contains 19 recognized species according to FishBase, while the World Register of Marine Species lists 22. Notable species include the sad klipfish (Clinus acuminatus), the agile klipfish (Clinus agilis), and the highfin or super klipfish (Clinus superciliosus). Other examples are the Onrust klipfish (Clinus berrisfordi), the Cape klipfish (Clinus brevicristatus), and the bluntnose klipfish (Clinus cottoides). Additional species include Clinus exasperatus, Helen's klipfish (Clinus helenae), the westcoast klipfish (Clinus heterodon), the False Bay klipfish (Clinus latipennis), Clinus musaicus, the Chinese klipfish (Clinus nematopterus), the robust klipfish (Clinus robustus), the kelp klipfish (Clinus rotundifrons), the Bot River klipfish (Clinus spatulatus), the bull klipfish (Clinus taurus), the speckled klipfish (Clinus venustris), and the oldman klipfish (Clinus woodi). Two former species, Clinus elegans and Clinus geniguttatus, are now considered synonyms for Calliclinus geniguttatus.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Clinus
- Type Species
- Blennius acuminatus
- Type Species Authority
- Bloch & J. G. Schneider, 1801
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The genus Clinus contains species such as the sad klipfish (Clinus acuminatus), agile klipfish (Clinus agilis), and the highfin or super klipfish (Clinus superciliosus). The species list includes 19 recognized species on FishBase and 22 on WoRMS, indicating some taxonomic disagreement. Several species were described by early ichthyologists including Bloch, Schneider, Valenciennes, and Linnaeus. Some names, such as Clinus elegans and Clinus geniguttatus, have been brought into synonymy with Calliclinus geniguttatus.
Reader's Guide
Clinus is notable as a genus of clinids restricted to the southeastern Atlantic and western Indian Ocean. The genus includes many species with common names ending in 'klipfish', reflecting their rocky habitat. The discrepancy between FishBase and WoRMS in species count (19 vs 22) highlights ongoing taxonomic work. The synonymy of Clinus elegans and Clinus geniguttatus with Calliclinus geniguttatus shows historical reclassification. Species were described by various authors over two centuries, from Linnaeus in the 18th century to Holleman, von der Heyden, and Zsilavecz in 2012. The genus serves as an example of regional endemism in southern African marine fishes.
Did You Know?
- Clinus is a genus of clinids found in the southeastern Atlantic and western Indian Ocean.
- FishBase recognizes 19 species in Clinus, while WoRMS recognizes 22.
- Some Clinus species names, such as Clinus elegans, have been made synonyms of Calliclinus geniguttatus.
- Common names for Clinus species include klipfish, such as the sad klipfish and agile klipfish.
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