Common Name
Mottled Clingfish
Year Described
Jenyns, 1842
Identification
Dorsal Fin: 12-13
Anal Fin: 10-11
Pectoral Fin: 21-23
Head depressed and wide. Body tapering and becoming laterally compressed posteriorly. Eyes relatively large. Rear nostril with two prominent flaps. Mouth terminal and small. Top lip broad at front, thin on sides. Dorsal and anal fins placed far rearward. Tail long with rounded margin. Pectoral fin with large fleshy pad that has a free rear edge ending abruptly at middle of pectoral fin. Pelvic disk well developed. Anus usually closer to disk than to anal fin origin. Scales and lateral line absent.
Color
Body marbled with pale and medium brown. Body and head covered with numerous pale and dark spots. Indistinct or distinct dark dorsal saddles can be expressed. Ventrum and disk pale.
Size
Maximum size to 89mm SL.
Habitat
Found in shallow coastal waters. Juveniles common in the intertidal. Attaches to rocks, shells, and other solid structure.
Range
Uruguay to Argentina. Also the SE Pacific.
References
Schultz, L.P. 1944. A revision of the American clingfishes, family Gobiesocidae, with descriptions of new genera and forms. Proceedings of the United States National Museum. Vol 96 (3187): 47-77.
Other Notes
The only Gobiesox clingfish in this area of the southwestern Atlantic. The high anal fin ray counts are unique to the W. Atlantic Gobiesox.