Depth
Apletodon · Bony Fish

Small-headed Clingfish

Apletodon incognitus

0-15m
Depth Range
4cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-15m
Depth Range
4cm
Max Size
Rocky / Algal
Habitat
Micro-invertivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Moderate
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusApletodon
Speciesincognitus

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationTiny clingfish with a disproportionately small, narrow head. Reddish-brown to pale body with subtle markings. Ventral suction disc present but small.
  • SizeUp to 4 cm total length, typically around 2 to 3 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary and extremely cryptic. Lives under rocks and among encrusting organisms.
  • HabitatRocky subtidal areas, under boulders, and among sponges and tunicates.
  • Depth0 to 30 m.
  • Feeds OnMicroscopic invertebrates found on rock surfaces and among encrusting organisms.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionA minute clingfish that is virtually impossible to find without deliberately turning rocks. It is one of several tiny clingfish species that live a secretive existence in the Mediterranean's rocky shallows, representing a hidden layer of biodiversity that most divers never see.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Lives among algae-covered rocks, under stones, and on seagrass in the shallow subtidal zone. Present around the Maltese coast but rarely noticed due to its small size.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

Loading…

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

Detail

Preferred Environment

Shallow rocky habitats with dense algal cover. Found clinging to the underside of stones and within clumps of macroalgae.

Encounter Tips

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

Small-headed Clingfish species card

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Apletodon incognitus 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
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide