Fin's Fish Guide
The Blunt-snouted clingfish (Gouania willdenowi) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiesocidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, in the surf among pebbles and gravel of shallow pebble beaches.
Description
The blunt-snouted clingfish is a very small, slender and eel-like clingfish of the family Gobiesocidae reaching about 5 cm. The scaleless, brown-red body has a flattened, blunt snout; the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc, with which the fish anchors itself firmly among pebbles. This lets it live where few other fish can survive: among the pebbles in the surf of shallow shingle beaches of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, where the water is constantly moving. Among the stones it searches for very small crustaceans and invertebrates. The eggs are laid among the pebbles. Because of its hidden lifestyle and minuscule size it is rarely noticed.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blunt-snouted clingfish?
The Blunt-snouted clingfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Very small, slender, eel-shaped and scaleless clingfish with a blunt snout; the pelvic fins form a sucker for anchoring itself among pebbles.
Where does the Blunt-snouted clingfish live?
The Blunt-snouted clingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, in the surf among pebbles and gravel of shallow pebble beaches.
How big does the Blunt-snouted clingfish get?
The Blunt-snouted clingfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Blunt-snouted clingfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Blunt-snouted clingfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blunt-snouted clingfish edible?
The Blunt-snouted clingfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Blunt-snouted clingfish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Gobiesocidae
Want the complete picture on the Blunt-snouted clingfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blunt-snouted clingfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.