The Western Cleaner Clingfish, scientifically known as Cochleoceps bicolor, is a small fish species belonging to the family Gobiesocidae. It is characterized by its unique cleaning behavior and its striking coloration, playing a vital role in maintaining the health of its marine environment.
Description & Characteristics
The Cochleoceps bicolor is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of approximately 7.0 cm. It is easily recognized by its distinctive coloration, which features a combination of dark brown to black dorsal and anal fins, contrasting with its pale brown to white body. This coloration pattern serves as a visual signal to other marine life, particularly larger fish, indicating its role as a cleaner.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Cochleoceps bicolor inhabits a wide range of marine environments, including subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones. Its distribution extends from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge, reaching depths of around 200 meters. This encompasses both neritic zones, which are coastal waters over the continental shelf, and deeper portions of the ocean.
Taxonomy
The Cochleoceps bicolor is classified within the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiesociformes, and Family: Gobiesocidae. The Gobiesociformes order, commonly known as clingfishes, comprises a diverse group of marine fish characterized by their specialized pelvic fins, which they use for clinging to surfaces. The Gobiesocidae family encompasses a broad range of clingfish species, with Cochleoceps bicolor being a notable example.
Feeding
The Cochleoceps bicolor is a highly specialized cleaner fish. Its diet consists primarily of parasites and decapods (crustaceans), which it removes from larger fish, thereby benefiting both itself and its host. This symbiotic relationship allows the cleaner fish to obtain a reliable food source while providing a valuable service to the host. Additionally, Cochleoceps bicolor may also feed on zooplankton, adding to its diverse dietary habits.
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