Haplocylix littoreus (Forster, 1801)
Giant clingfish
photo by Conway, K.W.

Family:  Gobiesocidae (Clingfishes and singleslits), subfamily: Haplocylicinae
Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 6 years
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 12 m
Distribution:  Southwest Pacific: endemic to New Zealand.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 5-6; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Color ranging from uniform olive green to golden brown or yellowish, sometimes lighter ventrally. Sometimes with darker streaks over the head and body or patches of white or pink. Distinguished from other clingfishes by its large size, broad spade-like body, and structure of sucking disc (absence of a fold of skin on the anterior margin of the rear portion).
Biology:  Common in rock pools, larger individuals found in subtidal area. Usually attached to seaweeds (Cystophora, Macrocystis and Lessonia), sometimes on rocks and boulder in areas with dense seaweed. Remains motionless when the pool is disturbed.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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