For those who have spent time diving in the world’s kelp forests, the absolute beauty that makes this particular underwater realm so magical is no mystery. For those who have yet to experience diving among stalks of the enormous algae we know as kelp, and who have only ever seen the colors of a coral reef, incredible surprises await. Among the many creatures that make their homes in the world’s kelp forests, the Kelpfish, important species in the Clinidae family, are some of the most incredible. Let’s take a quick look at what these fish are, and learn more about some specific species found in different parts of the world.
Clinidae: A Fantastic Family of Fish
Depending on which scientific database you choose, you’ll find that the estimated number of Clinidae species is widely variable. While some sources conclude that there are about 40 genera and 180 species comprising the family, most are much more conservative, citing 20 genera and around 75 species. Either way, there are numerous types of kelpfish to be found among them.
Bottom feeders for the most part, dining on crustaceans, mollusks, and other fish, these clinidae usually have spiny dorsal fins and cirri on their heads – a kind of hairlike growth that varies from one species to another. While some of the fish give birth to live young, most are egg layers. Juveniles are sometimes hard to spot, particularly when kelp growth is thick; these little fish have a close resemblance to small kelp leaves, which helps them to avoid predation. Larger kelpfish blend in with their surroundings as well, so finding them can present a challenge until you know what you’re looking for.
Most kelpfish are fairly drab in appearance for most of the year, but will change color around spawning time, transforming themselves into fantastic looking creatures that look almost as though they belong on another planet. In shades of orange and white, pink and red, brilliant yellow and vibrant green, they add even more color to the kelp forests in which they live.
Commonly Encountered Kelpfish
Probably the most common of all kelpfish species, the Giant Kelpfish or Heterostichus Rostratus is found in many places worldwide and is a predominant species on the west coast of the North American continent, all the way from Canada’s British Columbia to Mexico’s southern Baja California. Globally, they’re found in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans in areas where the water is temperate and where kelp is abundant. Unlike some species, they are distributed throughout the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This fish loves the rocky substrate that kelp often clings to, and as it grows to be about two feet long, it is a popular target for sport fishermen and spear fishermen. Juveniles can be found in small tidepools, while all life stages can be found in estuaries and salt marshes, tidal flats, bay shallows, and areas of open ocean where kelp and other seaweed are abundant. Usually a yellowish-green to brown shade, and featuring a long, slender body that looks much like a blade of kelp, this fish can feature a barred or blotchy pattern that helps it to blend in very well with its surroundings. Females are capable of rapid color change, from red to green to brown.
The Large Kelpfish, or Chironemus Marmoratus, is found in southern Australia, and around New Zealand’s North Island, between the North Cape and East Cape. Also known as the Hiwihiwi or surgefish, it has a small mouth and a pointed snout. Usually shades of brown, grey, or green, with large dark blotches on its body and lots of little white spots as well, it has large pectoral fins with pronounced spines. As it lives in depths up to 30 meters, this common fish is very easy to find so long as you slow down and keep your eyes open. It has a tendency to turn pink during spawning season, making it an exciting find.
Another Southern Hemisphere variety, the Eastern Kelpfish, occurs primarily in Southeast Australia from Southern Queensland to Eastern Victoria and Northern Tasmania. It is found in New Zealand, as well. A medium sized fish growing to just about 2 feet long, it prefers shallow waters between the intertidal zone and a depth of about 20 meters. Finding this species can be a challenge as it prefers strong currents and likes areas with plenty of wave action; its boniness and many spines preserve it from predation and make it unpopular with fishermen.
The Crevice Kelpfish, or Gibbonsia Montereyensis, is also known as the Spotted Kelpfish. Sometimes referred to as a member of the blenny group, it is commonly found throughout the eastern Pacific region from British Columbia to Baja California. A very small kelpfish, growing to be less than a foot long, it feeds primarily on sea worms and likes rocky hiding places.
Tasseled Kelpfish are distributed throughout the East Indian Ocean, primarily along the coast of South Australia. A small, secretive species that usually stays well hidden, it is quite an exciting find, thanks to its spiny fins and fantastic spotted pattern. Despite its size, which rarely exceeds about a foot, these fish are sought by fishermen, however they are quite abundant throughout their range.
Silverspot Kelpfish, named for the silver spots that flash as the fish breaths, are native to southern Australia as well. A few do live in New Zealand, including areas of Marlborough Sound at South Island. Featuring very spiny fins and a captivating face, this fish is often kept in kelp forest displays at aquariums as it is fairly gregarious and seems to enjoy putting on a show for visitors.
These are just some of the most commonly encountered Kelpfish species. As kelp forests, with their often massive spires of kelp creating underwater cathedrals, cover vast expanses just offshore, and as they shelter countless creatures, it is easy to spend countless dives simply looking for lesser-known species. In many places where kelp grows in thick mats and water temperatures are cold, only the most determined divers ever venture in. If you hope to explore a kelp forest for the first time, be sure to learn more about techniques for safe diving in kelp, and don’t forget your camera. Kelpfish and many other amazing animals are just waiting to be discovered.