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🌊 Marine Endangered ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Poisonous to eat 🌡️ Subtropical

Blaasop beauty

Chelonodontops pleurospilus Regan, 1919
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Max Length
20 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.4
Depth
-
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
16.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Blaasop beauty (Chelonodontops pleurospilus) is a ray-finned fish. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 20 cm. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Venomous.

Scientific Name
Chelonodontops pleurospilus
Authority
Regan, 1919
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Subtropical
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
IUCN Status
EN
Max Length
20 cm
Trophic Level
3.4
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
16.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Genus
Chelonodontops
Chelonodontops
Species
Blaasop beauty
Chelonodontops pleurospilus

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 9; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 8; Vertebrae: 19. : short and / or deep.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Blaasop beauty is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous

Oviparous .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal. Subtropical South Africa).

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3.4±0.2

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.0263 × L2.88 (TL)
Max TL
20cm
Dorsal Rays
9
Anal Rays
8
Vertebrae
19

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Endangered
Assessment Date
2011

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
16.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.4
Predator
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Regan, 1919

⚠️ Venom Profile

Medical Warning: This species is venomous. Seek immediate medical attention if envenomated. Contact emergency services and follow first aid guidance below.
Venom Type
proteinaceous neurotoxin
Delivery
dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin spines
Potency
Severe
Mortality Risk
Low
Symptom Onset
5min
Duration
24.0hrs
Antivenom
✗ Not Available
Named Toxins
high-molecular-weight protein (Stonustoxin analogue) acetylcholine
Symptoms
  • immediate intense pain
  • swelling
  • erythema
  • occasional nausea and weakness
Affected Body Systems
peripheral nervous system cardiovascular
First Aid
Immerse affected area in hot water (45 C, tolerable) for 30-90 minutes to denature toxin. Do not apply ice.
Medical Treatment

Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.

References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature

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