Small-headed clingfish – Apletodon dentatus

Small-headed clingfish, Small-headed Clingfish, Apletodon dentatus

The Small-headed Clingfish, scientifically known as Apletodon dentatus, is a fascinating species of fish belonging to the family Gobiesocidae, commonly known as clingfishes. This small creature is characterized by its unique morphology and adaptive behaviors, making it an intriguing subject of study for marine biologists.

Description & Characteristics

Apletodon dentatus is a diminutive fish, reaching a maximum size of just 4.0 cm. Its body is typically slender and elongated, with a head that is proportionally small compared to its overall size, hence the common name “Small-headed Clingfish.” The species exhibits a distinct coloration pattern, often displaying a mottled or speckled appearance.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Small-headed Clingfish, Apletodon dentatus, is commonly found in marine environments, particularly in the intertidal zone and shallow coastal waters. It thrives in a range of habitats, including rocky shores, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. The species is typically found in depths ranging from the surface down to about 10 meters.

Taxonomy

The Small-headed Clingfish, Apletodon dentatus, belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiesociformes, and Family: Gobiesocidae. This classification reflects its evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics with other members of the clingfish family.

Feeding

Apletodon dentatus is an opportunistic feeder, relying on a variety of small invertebrates as its primary food source. Its diet consists of zooplankton such as copepods, cyclops, and brine shrimp nauplii, along with other small crustaceans like mysis and other small invertebrates found within the benthic zone, often referred to as zoobenthos.

Associated Species

Image References

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