Home · Gobiesocidae · Blackfin clingfish
Blackfin clingfish (Gobiesox nigripinnis) — Gobiesocidae

Blackfin clingfish

Gobiesox nigripinnis
Family: Gobiesocidae

The Blackfin clingfish (Gobiesox nigripinnis) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiesocidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Puerto Rico, Trinidad Tobago, Venezuela

Want the complete picture on the Blackfin clingfish?

Get the app

Description

The blackfin clingfish is a clingfish (Gobiesocidae) from shallow coastal and tidal water of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 6 cm and has an elongate, scaleless, brownish body with a flattened head and a powerful sucker disc on the belly, formed from the pelvic fins, with which it clings to stones, even in the surf. It snaps at small crustaceans, molluscs and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackfin clingfish?

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

Where does the Blackfin clingfish live?

The Blackfin clingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. North America: Puerto Rico, Trinidad Tobago, Venezuela

How big does the Blackfin clingfish get?

The Blackfin clingfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Blackfin clingfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackfin clingfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Blackfin clingfish?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackfin clingfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →

All data

Identification

English name
Blackfin clingfish sourced
Scientific name
Gobiesox nigripinnis
Family
Gobiesocidae
Other names
Blackfinned clingfish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
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
Natural range
North America: Puerto Rico, Trinidad Tobago, Venezuela sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Gobiesox

More from the family Gobiesocidae

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Blackfin clingfish?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackfin clingfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →
Is this the Blackfin clingfish? Get the app