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Two-spotted clingfish (Diplecogaster bimaculata) — Gobiesocidae

Two-spotted clingfish

Diplecogaster bimaculata
Family: Gobiesocidae
LC · Least Concern

The Two-spotted clingfish (Diplecogaster bimaculata) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiesocidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–20.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Irregular
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The two-spotted clingfish is a very small, flattened clingfish of the family Gobiesocidae reaching about 6 cm. Like other clingfishes the pelvic fins are fused into a powerful sucking disc, with which the fish anchors itself under stones and shells, even in the surf. The red-brown body is variably coloured; characteristically the male bears two conspicuous, often purple-blue rimmed spots behind the head, from which the species takes its name. It lives hidden under stones, shells and among gravel of shallow to moderate water of the north-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. There it searches for very small crustaceans and invertebrates. The eggs are laid under a stone or shell and guarded. Because of its minuscule size it is rarely noticed.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Two-spotted clingfish?

The Two-spotted clingfish has an irregular in shape body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Two-spotted clingfish live?

The Two-spotted clingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Two-spotted clingfish get?

The Two-spotted clingfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Two-spotted clingfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Two-spotted clingfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Two-spotted clingfish edible?

The Two-spotted clingfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Tweevlek-zuignapvis inferred
English name
Two-spotted clingfish verified
Scientific name
Diplecogaster bimaculata
Family
Gobiesocidae
Other names
Two-spotted clingfish; Two-spotted sucker verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Irregular verified
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No verified
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No verified

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater verified
Substrate
Stone or rock verified
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore verified
Social behaviour
Solitary verified
Territorial
Yes verified
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
Yes verified

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten verified
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Gobiesocidae

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