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Western clingfish (Aspasmogaster occidentalis) — Gobiesocidae

Western clingfish

Aspasmogaster occidentalis
Family: Gobiesocidae

The Western clingfish (Aspasmogaster occidentalis) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiesocidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–? m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Western clingfish is a small clingfish (Gobiesocidae) from shallow reef and coastal water of coastal waters of western Australia. The species grows to about 5 cm and has an elongate, scaleless, smooth body and a sucker disc on the belly, formed from the pelvic fins, with which it clings to stones and coral, even in the surf. It snaps at small crustaceans and invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Western clingfish?

The Western clingfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Western clingfish live?

The Western clingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Western clingfish get?

The Western clingfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Western clingfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Western clingfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Westelijke schildvis sourced
English name
Western clingfish sourced
Scientific name
Aspasmogaster occidentalis
Family
Gobiesocidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
5 inferred
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Aspasmogaster

More from the family Gobiesocidae

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