Home · Gobiesocidae · Bearded clingfish
Bearded clingfish (Gobiesox papillifer) — Gobiesocidae

Bearded clingfish

Gobiesox papillifer
Family: Gobiesocidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bearded clingfish (Gobiesox papillifer) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiesocidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.7 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The bearded clingfish is a small clingfish of the family Gobiesocidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a flattened, tadpole-like body with a broad head and small skin papillae. Characteristic is the large sucker on the belly, formed from the fused pelvic fins, with which it clings firmly to stones in the surf. It inhabits the intertidal zone, sheltering under stones and in crevices. As a bottom searcher it feeds on small crustaceans, molluscs and worms. Owing to its small size the species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bearded clingfish?

The Bearded clingfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Bearded clingfish live?

The Bearded clingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Bearded clingfish get?

The Bearded clingfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Bearded clingfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bearded clingfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Bearded clingfish edible?

The Bearded clingfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Papil-zuigvis sourced
English name
Bearded clingfish verified
Scientific name
Gobiesox papillifer
Family
Gobiesocidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.7 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

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

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Gobiesox

More from the family Gobiesocidae

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