Gobiesocidae

The Gobiesocidae, commonly known as clingfishes or cling gobies, are a family of marine fish in the order Perciformes. They are small, bottom-dwelling fish known for their remarkable adhesive abilities, which allow them to cling tightly to rocks, corals, and other surfaces.

Panamic clingfish – Gobiesox adustus

Oriental blunt-snouted clingfish – Gouania orientalis

Gobiesox marmoratus

Blunt-snouted clingfish – Gouania willdenowi

Oneline clingfish – Discotrema monogrammum

Lepadichthys frenatus

Western cleaner-clingfish – Cochleoceps bicolor

Small-headed clingfish – Apletodon dentatus

Papillate clingfish – Acyrtus artius

Common shore-eel – Alabes dorsalis

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Characteristics

Clingfishes are characterized by their flattened, disk-shaped ventral surfaces, which function as suction cups. The suction cup is formed by a modified pelvic fin, which is fused to the body and can generate a strong vacuum. Their bodies are usually elongated, and their heads are often wider than their bodies. Most clingfishes are small, with many species reaching only a few centimeters in length, but the largest species, the giant clingfish (Lepadogaster purpureomaculatus), can grow up to 30 centimeters long.

Environment

Clingfishes are found in a wide variety of marine habitats around the world, from the intertidal zone to deeper waters. They are most commonly found in rocky areas, coral reefs, and kelp forests, but they can also be found in estuaries, bays, and even freshwater streams. They are typically found in shallow waters, but some species can live at depths of up to 500 meters.

Diet

Clingfishes are carnivorous and feed on a variety of small invertebrates, including crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. They use their suction cups to attach themselves to rocks and other surfaces, and then they ambush their prey.

Reproduction

Clingfishes are typically solitary, but they may gather in groups during spawning season. They are oviparous and lay their eggs in clusters on rocks, shells, or other surfaces. Some species exhibit parental care, with males guarding the eggs until they hatch.

Classification

The family Gobiesocidae is divided into four subfamilies:

  • Lepadogastrinae
  • Gobiesocinae
  • Diademichthysinae
  • Aspasmobranchinae

References

  • Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2023. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, version (12/2023). Accessed: 2023-12-19.
  • Nelson, J.S. 2006. Fishes of the World. Fourth Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New Jersey.
  • "Gobiesocidae". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 2023-12-19.