Fly-fished super klipfish!
Photos by Niel Malan
Super klipfish are the most common of all klipfishes, both in terms of geographic distribution (Rocky Point, Namibia to Kei River, near East London), as well as habitat. They occur in rock pools and down to at least 50m, and are found on many reef types and even sandy plains close to reefs. They exhibit amazing variability in terms of pattern and colour, using the colour efficiently for both camouflage against predators as well as allowing them to ambush their own prey. Males can be distinguished from females by having a taller dorsal crest formed by the first three spines of the dorsal fin, and it seems the individual caught is female.
Originally described by Linnaeus as a species in 1758, Gilchrist and Thompson in 1908 described two variations, namely C. ornatus and C. arborescens, something which was disputed by Mary-Louise Penrith in 1969, with all three placed under their first name. Current research is showing that Gilchrist and Thompson's claims probably have validity. SURG has been involved in finding the other two varieties, and have found what seems to be C. ornatus - the ornate klipfish - regularly. The difference between this species and a "true" super klipfish, is subtle (the supra-orbital tentacles (those above the eyes) are different), but the ornate klipfish lives up to its name and is in many ways more ornate, having a beautiful honeycomb pattern on the face. They also live virtually exclusively on rubble bottoms close to reefs, unlike most super klipfish which tend to prefer reefs. The specimens of the ornate klipfish preserved by Gilchrist and Thompson are all mature males, which is what led Penrith to conclude they were just "aberant" individuals, but SURG has managed to photograph both males and females, as well as adults and sub-adults. Genetic testing will reveal whether the difference is indeed valid and sufficient for a new species. Specimens of C. arborescens are harder to come by, and it does not seem to be found in Cape Town, and all specimens come from the Eastern Cape. These will also be tested genetically.
Super klipfish are very opportunistic feeders, and are often inquisitive towards divers, and may follow them over short distances, waiting for some food to be stirred up. As they can occur in a great depth range, finding large specimens in shallow waters is not uncommon - SURG has found similar-sized ones as Niel caught in rock pools at the Strand as well. It is still very impressive that one went after a fly-fishing lure, so this catch must rate as something rather unusual!
For more details, see "Coastal fishes of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay", available from SURG and better Cape Town dive stores.
Coastal fishes of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay, a divers' identification guide, G Zsilavecz, 2005.