Family Gobiesocidae

Clingfishes

Selected Characters: Pelvic fins united as a sucking disc; single dorsal fin far back, opposite anal fin; scales absent.

This is a large family which is found in temperate and tropical waters of all oceans, with a few freshwater species in the tropics. Most species live in intertidal zones and use their sucking disc (modified pelvic fins) to cling to rocks, marine plants, or even sea urchins. The Northern Clingfish is the only species known to occur in Puget Sound. It reaches a maximum length of about 15 cm. Females of this species lay their eggs under rocks in the intertidal zone, where the male guards them for several weeks until they hatch. Northern Clingfish eat small molluscs and crustaceans. This species is moderately common in Puget Sound.

Puget Sound Species

Gobiesox maeandricus Northern Clingfish