Fin's Fish Guide
The Shore clingfish (Lepadogaster lepadogaster) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiesocidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, in tide pools and under stones on rocky shores.
Description
The shore clingfish or Cornish sucker is a small, flat rock fish of the family Gobiesocidae reaching about 7 cm. The flattened head tapers into a duck-bill-shaped, flat snout, and behind the head lie two conspicuous blue eyespots with a pale rim. Characteristic is the strong sucking disc on the belly, formed from the fused pelvic fins, with which the fish clings firmly to stones in the surf. The body is red-brown and blotched. The species lives in tide pools and under stones on rocky shores of the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. It hunts small crustaceans and worms. The pair lays the eggs under a stone and guards them. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Shore clingfish?
The Shore clingfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Small, flat rock fish with a duck-bill-shaped snout and a strong sucker on the belly, formed from the pelvic fins, with which it attaches itself to stones; two blue eyespots behind the head.
Where does the Shore clingfish live?
The Shore clingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, in tide pools and under stones on rocky shores.
How big does the Shore clingfish get?
The Shore clingfish grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Shore clingfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Shore clingfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Shore clingfish edible?
The Shore clingfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Shore clingfish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lepadogaster
More from the family Gobiesocidae
Want the complete picture on the Shore clingfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shore clingfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.