Fin's Fish Guide
The Mascarene cling goby (Cotylopus acutipinnis) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The Mascarene cling goby is a goby (Gobiidae) from the islands of the western Indian Ocean. The species has pelvic fins fused into a sucker with which it clings to stones and can even climb waterfalls. It inhabits swift, clear rainforest streams, where it rasps algae from the stones. It is amphidromous: the larvae wash out to sea and the juveniles later ascend the rivers again. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mascarene cling goby?
The Mascarene cling goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Sucker formed by the pelvic fins to climb stones and waterfalls; amphidromous island goby.
Where does the Mascarene cling goby live?
The Mascarene cling goby lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Mascarenes (western Indian Ocean); fast-flowing rainforest streams.
How big does the Mascarene cling goby get?
The Mascarene cling goby grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Mascarene cling goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Mascarene cling goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mascarene cling goby edible?
The Mascarene cling goby is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Mascarene cling goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mascarene cling goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.