Depth
Lepadogaster · Bony Fish

Shore Clingfish

Lepadogaster lepadogaster

0-10m
Depth Range
6.5cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-10m
Depth Range
6.5cm
Max Size
Rocky / Intertidal
Habitat
Micro-invertivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
High
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusLepadogaster
Specieslepadogaster

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationSmall, flattened fish with a broad head and a large ventral suction disc. Variable colour from reddish-brown to green with a distinctive pattern of darker markings. A red triangular patch between the eyes is characteristic.
  • SizeUp to 6.5 cm total length, commonly 3 to 5 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary and highly sedentary. Clings to rocks in the wave zone using its powerful suction disc.
  • HabitatRocky intertidal and very shallow subtidal zones. Found under stones and on exposed rock surfaces.
  • DepthIntertidal to 5 m.
  • Feeds OnSmall invertebrates and algae from rock surfaces.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from Scotland to Morocco, including the Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionThe most common clingfish in Mediterranean rock pools. Its powerful ventral suction disc allows it to cling to rocks in heavy surge and wave action. The red mark between the eyes helps distinguish it from other clingfish species. A tiny but fascinating creature of the intertidal zone.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Inhabits the intertidal and very shallow subtidal zone, clinging to the underside of boulders and flat rocks. Found along the entire Maltese rocky coastline, especially in sheltered rock pools.

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

Underside of intertidal rocks and boulders, particularly in sheltered areas with rock pools and cobble.

Encounter Tips

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

Shore Clingfish species card

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Lepadogaster lepadogaster 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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