Clinus Superciliosus Research Articles

Novel insights into the genetics, morphology, distribution and hosts of the global fish parasitic digenean Proctoeces maculatus (Looss, 1901) (Digenea: Fellodistomidae).

Larval stages of the widely distributed digenean species Proctoeces maculatus (Looss, 1901) were reported 40 years ago from South Africa in the common octopus, Octopus vulgaris Cuvier (Octopodidae). However, the absence of adult specimens and molecular data from this region has hindered a comprehensive understanding of its distribution. In this study, we collected three species of intertidal and near-shore marine fishes [Clinus superciliosus (L.) (Clinidae), Diplodus capensis (Smith) (Sparidae) and Sparodon durbanensis (Castelnau) (Sparidae)] along the South African coast and discovered adult specimens of P. maculatus at five localities. By employing a combination of morphological and molecular techniques, including 28S rDNA, 18S rDNA and COI mtDNA analyses, the first report of adult P. maculatus from South Africa is presented. The findings encompass a comprehensive morphological description and molecular data, illuminating the true distribution of this species in the region.

Molecular characterisation of three species of Coitocaecum (Digenea: Opecoelidae) infecting Clinus superciliosus (Clinidae) in South Africa, with description of Coitocaecum brayi sp. n.

The genus Coitocaecum Nicoll, 1915 is part of the most speciose digenean family, the Opecoelidae Ozaki, 1925, which is found globally in both freshwater and marine fishes. Fifteen opecoelid species have been reported from marine fishes in South Africa, yet only one species of Coitocaecum has been described from this region: Coitocaecum capense Bray, 1987. During an explorative study of the digeneans of the endemic, intertidal fish Clinus superciliosus (Linnaeus) from the Saldanha Bay area, Cape Town harbour, Hermanus, the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park and Chintsa East in South Africa, a total of three distinct species of Coitocaecum were identified based on morphological and molecular (28S rDNA, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA and COI mtDNA) data: the previously mentioned C. capense, Coitocaecum brayi sp. n. and a third, unnamed species. We provide the first molecular characterisation of species of Coitocaecum from South Africa, accompanied by detailed morphological descriptions. This study illustrates the importance of an integrated taxonomic approach, especially when studying species with similar morphology. These findings further emphasise the lack of information on the true diversity and molecular data for trematodes of marine fishes in South Africa, creating a great capacity for future explorative taxonomic studies and highlighting the use of intertidal areas for conducting such research.

High element concentrations are not always equivalent to a stressful environment: differential responses of parasite taxa to natural and anthropogenic stressors.

Environmental parasitology developed as a discipline that addresses the impact of anthropogenic activities related to the occurrence and abundance of parasites, subsequently relating deviations of natural parasite distribution to environmental impact. Metals, often considered pollutants, might occur under natural conditions, where concentrations might be high due to a natural geogenic release rather than anthropogenic activities. We specifically investigated whether naturally occurring high levels of elements might negatively affect the parasite community of the intertidal klipfish, Clinus superciliosus, at different localities along the South African coast. Parasite communities and element concentrations of 55 klipfish (in muscle and liver) were examined. Our results show that parasites can disentangle anthropogenic input of elements from naturally occurring high element concentrations. Acanthocephala, Cestoda and Isopoda were associated with higher concentrations of most elements. Environmental parasitology, applicable to a wide range of systems, is scarcely used on marine ecosystems and can contribute to environmental monitoring programs.

Morphological and molecular characterisation of Alella igillimpethu n. sp. (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida: Lernaeopodidae) parasitising the southern African endemic intertidal klipfish, Clinus superciliosus.

Lernaeopodidae Milne Edwards, 1840, is an ecological and economically important fish parasite family of copepods (Crustacea: Copepoda), consisting of 48 genera with 334 valid species. To date, approximately 17genera have been documented from both teleost and elasmobranch hosts from South African marine waters. As part of parasitological surveys targeting parasites of the endemic intertidal klipfish, Clinus superciliosus (Linnaeus) (Clinidae) along the South African coast, a species of Lernaeopodidae was discovered on the gills of this host. Alella igillimpethu n. sp. is described from Clinussuperciliosus from Langebaan marina on the west coast of South Africa, with a prevalence of 42.1% and mean intensity of 2.9 (ranging from 1-13). Morphological identification was done using light and scanning electron microscopy and the species description was generated with the aid of DEscription Language for TAxonomy (DELTA) software. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) region, as well as partial 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA genes confirmed the classification within the family Lernaeopodidae. This is the first report of Lernaeopodidae from C.superciliosus, or in fact any member of Clinidae, as well as the first molecular characterisation of any marine lernaeopodid infecting teleost fish from South Africa. This study contributes valuable genetic and morphological data for this copepod family, as well as new host and distribution records.

Metazoan parasite diversity of the endemic South African intertidal klipfish, Clinus superciliosus: Factors influencing parasite community composition.

The current trend in marine parasitology research, particularly in South Africa, is to focus on a specific parasite taxon and not on the total parasite community of a specific fish host. However, these records do not always reveal the ecological role of parasites in ecosystems. Thus, the present study aimed to determine which factors influence the parasite community composition of the endemic southern African intertidal klipfish, Clinus superciliosus (n=75). Metazoan parasites were sampled from four localities (two commercial harbours - west coast; and two relatively pristine localities - southeast coast) along the South African coast. A total of 75 klipfish were examined for parasites, where 30 distinct taxa, representing seven taxonomic groups were found: Acanthocephala (4 taxa), Cestoda (2 taxa), Crustacea (5 taxa), Digenea (11 taxa), Hirudinea (2 taxa), Monogenea (1 taxon) and Nematoda (5 taxa). Results indicated that the main driver of diversity was locality, with the highest diversity on the southeast coast, most likely due to higher water temperatures and upwelling compared to the west coast. The parasite community composition of the klipfish was significantly influenced by water temperature and parasite life cycle. These results emphasise the importance of parasitological surveys including all parasite taxa in hosts from multiple localities and seasons, to better comprehend their ecological role.

Metal and metalloid concentrations in the southern African endemic inter- and infratidal super klipfish, Clinus superciliosus, from the west and south coasts of South Africa

Clinus superciliosus was collected for element analysis from six localities along the South African west and south coasts. Concentrations in muscle and liver were determined, considering size and sex. No significant positive correlation between size and concentrations were detected, except for Mn and Sn in liver from Simons Town marina, while no significant differences in sex were detected. The majority of element concentrations were significantly higher in fish from Tsitsikamma in the Garden Route and the small town Chintsa, while some concentrations were significantly higher in muscle at Simons Town marina. Land-use activities had a limited role in element bioaccumulation in klipfish. Element concentrations were influenced by large scale oceanographic processes (currents; upwelling) and localised seasonal geogenic derived run-off. Limited data on element accumulation patterns of intertidal fish species in South Africa, highlights the need for long-term monitoring and further studies on different resident and transient intertidal fish species.

Molecular and morphological characterisation of the metacercariae of two species of Cardiocephaloides (Digenea: Strigeidae) infecting endemic South African klipfish (Perciformes: Clinidae).

South African clinids are a major component of the temperate intertidal regions that are also known to participate in life cycles and transmission of several groups of parasites. However, the knowledge of trematode diversity of these fishes is incomplete. In this study, two species of Clinus Cuvier, the super klipfish Clinus superciliosus (Linnaeus) and the bluntnose klipfish Clinus cottoides Valenciennes, were collected from six localities along the South African coast and examined for the presence of trematodes. Metacercariae of Cardiocephaloides Sudarikov, 1959 were found in the eye vitreous humour and brain of C. superciliosus and in the eye vitreous humour of C. cottoides. Detailed analyses integrating morphological and molecular sequence data (28S rDNA, ITS2 rDNA-region, and COI mtDNA) revealed that these belong to two species, Cardiocephaloides physalis (Lutz, 1926) and an unknown species of Cardiocephaloides. This study provides the first report of clinid fishes serving as intermediate hosts for trematodes, reveals that the diversity of Cardiocephaloides in South Africa is higher than previously recorded, and highlights the need for further research to elucidate the life cycles of these trematode species. The broad geographical distribution of Cardiocephaloides spp. was confirmed in the present study based on molecular sequence data. The host-parasite interactions between clinid fishes and metacercariae of Cardiocephaloides are yet to be explored.

F.L. de Castelnau's collection of fishes from the Cape of Good Hope described by Pieter Bleeker.

The Dutch ichthyologist Pieter Bleeker described 34 species, including a new genus and five new species from a collection of fishes sent to him from the Cape of Good Hope by the French explorer, naturalist and diplomat, F.L. de Castelnau in 1858. A careful search of the Naturalis collection in Leiden found almost all the specimens received by Bleeker from Castelnau, including hitherto unrecognised types. Based on examination of this collection and a critical translation of Bleeker's 1859 paper on the fishes of the Cape of Good Hope it has been possible to resolve the taxonomic status of Bleeker's genus Pagrichthys (Pagrichthys castelnaui Bleeker, 1859, type by monotypy), previously considered a synonym of Sparus Linnaeus, 1758 but here regarded as a synonym of Lithognathus Swainson, 1839. The identity of the various species described by Bleeker, and type status of his new species are clarified: Cantharus castelnaui Bleeker, 1859 is a synonym of Pachymetopon blochii (Valenciennes, 1830); Pagrichthys castelnaui Bleeker, 1859 is a synonym of Lithognathus lithognathus (Cuvier, 1829); Seriola capensis Bleeker, 1859 (not previously recognised as a valid species) is a synonym of Seriola lalandi Valenciennes, 1833; Clinus dubuis Bleeker, 1859 (based on a misspelling of Castelnau's ms name dubius) is a valid name, and a synonym of Clinus superciliosus (Linnaeus, 1758); and Clinus dorsalis Bleeker, 1859 is valid as Muraenoclinus dorsalis (Bleeker, 1859).

Assessing multiple mating and reproductive skew in three species of clinid fishes (Blenniiformes: Clinidae: Clinini), in reference to multiple mating in viviparous teleosts

This study investigated multiple mating in three species of intertidal klipfishes (family Clinidae): super klipfish Clinus superciliosus, bluntnose klipfish Clinus cottoides, and nosestripe klipfish Muraenoclinus dorsalis. These species display the rare reproductive mode of female vivipary with superfetation, a phenomenon where offspring at various stages of development are found within the female. Three or four microsatellite loci were used to genotype 25–30 adults of each species, as well as embryos of 131 C. superciliosus from six broods, 103 C. cottoides from six broods, and 63 M. dorsalis from five broods. The presence of multiple mating by females was assessed by maximum-likelihood sibship reconstruction implemented in the program COLONY, and the non-random distribution of reproductive success among individuals (reproductive skew) within broods was tested using the binomial skew index. Multiple mating by females was pervasive and observed in 83%, 100% and 80% of the broods of C. superciliosus, C. cottoides and M. dorsalis, respectively. The mean number of sires per brood was 4.3, 3.0 and 3.2, and, correspondingly, 5/5, 5/6 and 1/4 of multiply-sired broods showed significant reproductive skew in C. superciliosus, C. cottoides and M. dorsalis, respectively. The presence of pronounced reproductive skew may indicate post-copulatory processes taking place that bias paternity. We compared our results on multiple mating within the klipfish family, and with four other fish families that have vivipary with superfetation, and found the klipfish patterns were among those of live-bearing vertebrate groups with the highest average numbers of sires per brood.

Contrasting signals of genetic diversity and historical demography between two recently diverged marine and estuarine fish species

Estuaries, at the confluence of marine and freshwater systems, are mostly of geolog- ically recent origin and as such make excellent models for understanding recent speciation events. Using molecular approaches, we compared genetic diversity and demographic histories in 2 closely related southern African klipfish species, the marine Clinus superciliosus and the estuar- ine C. spatulatus. Strong genetic differentiation was identified using both mtDNA control region and nDNA S7 sequencing, despite some haplotype sharing. Coalescent-based modelling suggests that species divergence occurred during the Late Pleistocene or, more likely, during the Early Holocene, when present-day estuaries formed. Analyses of population demography suggest that C. superciliosus has undergone historical population expansion, whereas C. spatulatus is charac- terized by a population decline, potentially driven by repeated cycles of population crashes linked to the opening and closing of estuarine systems. This is also reflected in values of genetic diversity, which are almost an order of magnitude lower in the estuarine than in the marine species. Given the unique evolutionary history of C. spatulatus, a species that is restricted to only 2 South African estuaries, we highlight the need for a better understanding of the processes that have shaped the evolution of estuarine populations. The identification of unique genetic lineages in estuaries can help to better guide conservation and management efforts for some of South Africa's most fragile habitats.

Delineating the fishes of the Clinus superciliosus species complex in southern African waters (Blennioidei: Clinidae: Clinini), with the validation of Clinus arborescens Gilchrist & Thompson, 1908 and Clinus ornatus Gilchrist & Thompson, 1908, and with de

The Clinus superciliosus complex comprises six closely related species. Three of the species were originally recognized by Gilchrist and Thompson as two distinct species, Clinus superciliosus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Clinus ornatus Gilchrist & Thompson, 1908, and a variety, Clinus superciliosus var. arborescens Gilchrist & Thompson, 1908. A number of other authors described various similar species, which subsequently were all synonymized with Clinus superciliosus. A further species, Clinus spatulatus Bennett, 1983, an obligate estuarine dweller, is known only from the Bot, Kleinmond, and Klein river estuaries in the Western Cape, South Africa. Two further species, Clinus musaicus sp. nov. (discovered while searching for C. ornatus specimens) and Clinus exasperatus sp. nov., are herein described: the first is currently known from False Bay and the west coast of the Cape Peninsula, whereas the second species is known from only two specimens just east of False Bay. Clinus ornatus and Clinus arborescens Gilchrist & Thompson, 1908 are recognized as a valid species, and can be distinguished from C. superciliosus and C. spatulatus on the basis of meristic values, form of the orbital cirrus, position of the dorsal-fin crest, taste bud number and pattern, diet, and coloration. All extant types of C. superciliosus are examined as specimens, or photographs and radiographs, and their validity and identification are assessed. Genetic analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA supports species differentiation. A key is provided for the species complex. Furthermore, the variable coloration of four of the species, probably related to the substrate the larvae settle upon, and the increase in the number of vertebrae, and fin-ray and spine number, with decreasing water temperature is discussed. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 2012, 166, 827–853.

Phylogeographic patterns and cryptic speciation across oceanographic barriers in South African intertidal fishes

Biogeographic boundaries are the meeting zone of broadly distributed faunas, or the actual cause of a faunal break. In the latter case, closely related sister species should be found across such a boundary. To achieve such a situation, preliminary stages are expected, where phylogeographic breaks followed by genetic cryptic speciation would be observed. Biogeographic boundaries, in the Cape Point/Cape Agulhas region of southern Africa, offer an ideal system to test such predictions. Here, we studied two intertidal clinid fish species that are endemic to southern Africa, Clinus superciliosus (n = 127) and Muraenoclinus dorsalis (n = 114). Using mitochondrial control region, 16S rRNA, 12S rRNA and NADH2 genes and the nuclear rhodopsin and the first intron of the S7 ribosomal protein gene, we show both phylogeographic breaks and likely cryptic speciation in each species. Pairwise Φ(st) results suggest population genetic structuring for both species, with higher levels for M. dorsalis (Φ(st) = 0.34-0.93) than for C. superciliosus (Φ(st) = 0.1-0.74). Further, we recover two and three distinct lineages within M. dorsalis and C. superciliosus, respectively. Phylogenetic topologies, concordance between nuclear and mitochondrial markers and levels of sequence divergence, which are consistent with closely related sister species pairs, suggest the presence of cryptic species. Our results therefore meet the expectation for reduced gene flow at a biogeographic barrier, which translates into significant genetic breaks and cryptic sister species.

>Utilization of shallow subtidal bays associated with warm temperate rocky shores by the late-stage larvae of some inshore fish species, South Africa

>This work describes the utilization of shallow, subtidal bays, associated with rocky shores, by the late-stage larvae and early juveniles of some common inshore fishes. Larval and early juvenile fishes were collected in seven small bays (30–50 m wide) between Port Alfred (33°36’S, 26°53’E) and Hamburg (33°17’S, 27°29’E), using a modified, beach seine net (500 µm mesh). Four bays were sampled weekly during peak fish spawning (September–November 2004) to firstly assess whether larval fishes occur in these previously-unstudiedhabitats and secondly, to assess the extent of this utilization in terms of species occurrence, abundance and potential nursery function. An additional three replicate bays, situated >50 km away near Bira were used for comparison. In total, 14 fish families represented by 26 taxa were recorded but the catch was dominated by a small suite of common species. Bays were extensively utilized by Sparidae (>Diplodus capensis >and >Sarpa salpa>), and to a lesser extent by Clinidae (>Clinus superciliosus>), Mugilidae (>Liza >spp.) and Kyphosidae (>Neoscorpis lithophilus>). Mean CPUE of larvae was high and exceeded 900 individuals per seine haul. Larval abundance peaked at 4000 larvae per haul and at these times, was dominated only by the two sparid species. Abundance of sparid larvae exceeds that recorded for these species in surf zones, estuaries or the shallow nearshore habitatssampled to date in temperate South Africa by an order of magnitude. Larval abundance was significantly higher during new moon sampling throughout the study period, but was not significantly different between repeated samples collected per site on each fieldtrip. The length-frequency of larvae utilizing the bays was dominated by postflexion stages ranging 7–14 mm SL. Length-frequency distribution of >Diplodus, Sarpa, Clinus, Sparodon, Neoscorpis >was indicativeof grow-out and use of bays as interim nurseries. The nursery function of these bays is supported by gut analysis of a sub-sample of the dominant species, >Diplodus capensis, >which showed that these larvae were actively feeding in the area, predominantly on copepods. This work prompts further research on shallow habitats associated with rocky shores particularly the shelter and feeding role that these under-studied habitats are playing in the early life history of coastal fishes.

Four new myxozoans (Myxosporea: Bivalvulida) from intertidal fishes along the south coast of Africa

Current records of marine myxozoans from the coast of Africa are limited to the descriptions of 52 species from mostly Senegal, with a few from Tunisia and southern Africa. Between 1998 and 2000 several intertidal fishes from the southern Cape coast of South Africa were examined for the presence of myxozoan infections. Three new species, Ceratomyxa dehoopi sp. n., C. cottoidii sp. n. and C. honckenii sp. n. were identified from the gall bladders of Clinus superciliosus L., C. cottoides Valenciennes and Amblyrhynchotes honckenii (Bloch), respectively. A fourth new species Henneguya clini sp. n. was also identified from the gills and gill arches of C. superciliosus.

Comparative spermatogenesis, spermatocytogenesis, and spermatozeugmata formation in males of viviparous species of clinid fishes (Teleostei: Clinidae, Blennioidei)

Spermatogenesis and spermatocytogenesis in 16 species of viviparous clinid fishes (Clinidae, Blennioidei) from various localities were followed for the first time by means of light and electron microscopy. The testes of the studied species are of the lobular type, with germinal stem cells situated at the apical ends of the lobules and a vas efferens along the internal margin. Maturation of the spermatides takes place in spermatocysts formed by Sertoli cells around the B-spermatogonia. The gradual condensation and relocation of the chromosomes along the nuclei membranes are highly prominent in this process, which can be divided into several stages. Anisodiametric and slightly flattened sperm heads are eventually formed, 0.4-0.5 microm in diameter and 7.5 +/- 1 microm long, bearing 80 +/- 15 microm long flagella. The sperms are packed into spermatozeugmata within the spermatocysts, enveloped and penetrated by the mucotic material of the Sertoli cells. With division of the germ cells and maturation of the spermatids, the spermatocyst dimensions increase, attaining 40 +/- 8 microm in diameter in the smaller species of Heteroclinus, and up to 90 +/- 10 microm in the larger males of Clinus superciliosus and C. cottoides. Accordingly, the volume of the maturing spermatocysts attains ca. 1,300 +/- 100 microm(3) in the smaller species, and ca. 6,500 +/- 300 microm(3) in the larger ones. As sperm head volume is ca. 2.24 microm(3), the number of sperm in the smallest mature spermatocysts reaches ca. 440 and in the largest over 2,900. Upon release from the cysts, the spermatozeugmata are transported along the sperm ducts to the posterior ampullae where they are stored in the epididymis. During copulation, the sperms are transported from there to the female via the intromittent organ. The sperm formation parameters and their structure and numbers are discussed.

Life cycle of the temporary fish parasite, Gnathia africana (Crustacea: Isopoda: Gnathiidae).

Laboratory work was conducted to elucidate the life cycle of the South African gnathiid isopod, Gnathia africana Barnard, 1914. The natural fish hosts of this temporary parasite, the super klipfish Clinus superciliosus (Linnaeus, 1758), were exposed to gnathiid larvae in the laboratory. It was found that G. africana has three larval stages, consisting of three unfed (zuphea) and three fed (praniza) stages. First-, second- and third-stage zuphea larvae took an average of 2 h 18 min, 2 h 43 min and 10 h 8 min respectively to complete their feeding and the first- and second-stage praniza moulted at 8 and 10 days respectively into the next zuphea stage. Three to six days after its last blood meal, the sex of the third and final praniza stage could be determined by the presence of either a testis or two ovaries in the dorsal pereon. Male larvae moulted into adult males between 8 and 10 days post feeding. Female larvae moulted at approximately 17 days into adult females. Fertilisation of the eggs by the male took place within 24 hours of completion of the female moult. The development of the embryos and subsequent release of the young larvae between 15 and 23 days post fertilisation completed the cycle. This entire cycle took approximately 62 days in water temperatures of 20-25 degrees C.

Seasonal variation in the diet of Cape clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) in a marine habitat

Seasonal changes in the diet of Cape clawless otters Aonyx capensis feeding in the surf zone in False Bay, Western Cape Province, South Africa, were investigated by spraint (faecal) analysis. The most common prey species, during all seasons, was the Cape rock crab, Plagusia chabrus. The next most important prey species was the Cape rock lobster, Jasus lalandii, with the fish species Clinus superciliosus being equally important in winter. Other prey were fresh-water crabs, Potamonautes perlatus, octopus, Octopus granulatus, and 17 other species of fish, frogs and mammals. In winter and autumn the most important prey category was fish while in spring and summer, crustaceans were the most important. Diversity of prey was lowest in winter, increasing through the seasons from spring to autumn.

New host records for Haemogregarina bigemina from the coast of southern Africa

One hundred and fifty intertidal fishes were captured at Jeffreys Bay in July 1996 and February 1997, and at De Hoop Nature Reserve in April 1997, South Africa. Caffrogobius caffer, Chorisochismus dentex, Clinus superciliosus, and Clinus cottoides were all parasitised by haematophagous larvae of the isopod, Gnathia africana, and between 22 and 81% of fishes were infested with 1 to 76 larvae each. Of those fishes examined for blood parasites, 35/46 (76.1%) had an intraerythrocytic haemogregarine identified as Haemogregarina (sensu lato) bigemina, but only Clinus superciliosus and Clinus cottoides were infected. Gamonts of the haemogregarine, some undergoing syzygy, were also present in 50% of stained batches of the anterior hindgut contents of G. africana larvae which had fed on Clinus superciliosus, but were absent from larvae taken from Clinus cottoides and Chorisochismus dentex. This study provides new host records for H. bigemina and further evidence that gnathiid isopods play a role in the transmission of the haemogregarine.

The Intertidal fish fauna of the west coast of South Africa — species, community and biogeographic patterns

In the first quantitative survey of intertidal fish from the South African west coast 62 intertidal rock pools were sampled at two sites, using the ichthyocide rotenone. A total of 2 022 fish representing 14 species belonging to only two families — the Clinidae (88–98% by number) and the Gobiesocidae (12–2%) — were caught. Clinus superciliosus, C. heterodon and the gobiesocid Chorisochismus dentex were the most abundant species in terms of both numbers and biomass. Vertical zonation of individual species on the shore indicated little separation of the habitat between species, although some species exhibited size-specific partitioning of the shore. Relationships between fish distribution and abundance and rock pool characteristics were elucidated by means of stepwise multiple regression, both at the whole community and individual species levels. The abundances of individual species were best predicted by pool size, although some species also showed an association with weed cover. For the community as a who...

Two species ofCaligus(Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida) parasitic on fishes from Southern Africa

Two species of the siphonostomatoid copepod genus Caligus are described. Caligus mortis Kensley, 1970, collected from the super klipfish Clinus superciliosus (Linnaeus, 1758), rocksucker Chorisochismus dentex (Pallas, 1769), horned blenny Parablennius cornutus (Linnaeus, 1758) from Namibia and South Africa, is redescribed from the holotype and other specimens. In addition, a new species, Caligus saucius, is reported from the blenny Cirripectes castaneus (Valenciennes) collected at Kwazulu Reef, South Africa. It is distinguished from all its congeners by a 1-segmented exopod of leg 4 with only two spines at the tip.