Depth
Lepadogaster · Bony Fish

Connemarra Clingfish

Lepadogaster candolii

0-20m
Depth Range
7cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-20m
Depth Range
7cm
Max Size
Rocky / Algal
Habitat
Micro-invertivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
High
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusLepadogaster
Speciescandolii

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationSmall, flattened clingfish with a large head and prominent sucking disc on the belly. Reddish-brown to green body with a distinctive pattern of blue or white spots, especially on the head. A pair of dark-edged blue spots behind the eyes.
  • SizeUp to 7.5 cm total length, commonly 4 to 6 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary and highly sedentary. Clings to the underside of rocks and boulders using its powerful ventral disc.
  • HabitatRocky subtidal areas, often under boulders, in crevices, and among algae. Common in Posidonia seagrass beds where it attaches to blades and rhizomes.
  • Depth0 to 30 m, most common in the first 15 m.
  • Feeds OnTiny crustaceans, worms, and other small invertebrates found on rock surfaces and among seagrass.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from the British Isles to Senegal, including the entire Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionA beautifully marked little clingfish that is a favourite find for macro photographers. The blue spots on its head and body make it one of the more colourful small reef fish in the Mediterranean. It is almost always found attached to the underside of rocks and must be looked for deliberately to be spotted.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found under stones, on algae-covered rock, and in empty urchin tests in the shallow subtidal zone. Common along the Maltese rocky coast and one of the more frequently encountered clingfish in the region.

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

Under loose rocks, among macroalgae, and inside empty sea urchin tests. Prefers sheltered rocky areas with scattered boulders.

Encounter Tips

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

Connemarra Clingfish species card

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Lepadogaster candolii 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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