Depth
Gouania · Bony Fish

Blunt-snouted Clingfish

Gouania willdenowi

0-5m
Depth Range
5cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-5m
Depth Range
5cm
Max Size
Rocky / Intertidal
Habitat
Micro-invertivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Moderate
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusGouania
Specieswilldenowi

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationTiny, flattened body with a large sucking disc on the underside formed from modified pelvic fins. Broad, blunt head. Variable colouration from green to brown with darker mottling to match substrate.
  • SizeUp to 6 cm total length, usually 3 to 4 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary and highly cryptic. Uses its suction disc to cling tightly to rocks in wave-swept zones.
  • HabitatRocky intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. Found on exposed rock surfaces, under stones, and in rock pools, especially in areas with strong water movement.
  • DepthIntertidal to 5 m.
  • Feeds OnTiny invertebrates and algae scraped from rock surfaces.
  • DistributionMediterranean Sea and nearby Atlantic coasts from Portugal to Morocco.
  • DescriptionA miniature fish perfectly adapted to life on wave-battered rocks. Its powerful ventral suction disc keeps it locked to the substrate even in heavy surge. Extremely difficult to spot due to its small size and excellent camouflage, it is one of the most overlooked fish in the shallow Mediterranean.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found on exposed rocky shores in the splash zone and the first few metres of water. Clings to bare rock in areas of strong wave action. Present along Malta's exposed rocky coastlines.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Wave-beaten rocky surfaces in the intertidal and very shallow subtidal. Prefers areas with sparse algal cover where it can grip bare rock.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Blunt-snouted Clingfish species card

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Gouania willdenowi may be encountered will be added as sighting data is collected.

IUCN Red ListLeast Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes.

Source: IUCN Red List
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