Cheilodactylus fasciatus Lacepède, 1803
Redfingers
Cheilodactylus fasciatus
photo by Coetzee, C.

Family:  Cheilodactylidae (Morwongs)
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 1 - 120 m
Distribution:  Southeast Atlantic: Namibia to Natal, South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 17-19; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23-25; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-11
Biology:  Mainly in shallow water among rocks, but sometimes caught down to 120 m depth. Feeds on small crabs, mollusks, worms, and other small invertebrates (Ref. 9492). Tidepools apparently an important nursery habitat for juveniles (Ref. 120445),
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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