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Woods' clingfish (Gobiesox woodsi) — Gobiesocidae

Woods' clingfish

Gobiesox woodsi
Family: Gobiesocidae

The Woods' clingfish (Gobiesox woodsi) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiesocidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Cocos I. (C.R.)

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Description

The Woods' clingfish is a clingfish (Gobiesocidae) from shallow rocky and intertidal areas of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a scaleless, pear-shaped body with a flat head and a powerful sucker disc on the belly, formed from the pelvic fins, with which it clamps onto stones in the surf. As a bottom-dweller it shelters under stones and in crevices and snaps at small crustaceans, snails and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Woods' clingfish?

The Woods' clingfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Woods' clingfish live?

The Woods' clingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Cocos I. (C.R.)

How big does the Woods' clingfish get?

The Woods' clingfish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Woods' clingfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Woods' 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Woods' clingfish sourced
Scientific name
Gobiesox woodsi
Family
Gobiesocidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
South America: Cocos I. (C.R.) 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

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