Giant clingfish
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| Haplocylix littoreus (Forster, 1801) |
The giant clingfish, Haplocylix littoreus, is a clingfish of the family Gobiesocidae, the only species in the genus Haplocylix. It is found all down the east coast of New Zealand around the low water mark amongst seaweed, on rocky coastlines. Its length is up to 15 cm.
The giant clingfish is common in rock pools, larger individuals being found in subtidal areas. It is usually found attached to seaweeds (Cystophora, Macrocystis and Lessonia), sometimes on rocks and boulders in areas with dense seaweed. It remains motionless when the pool is disturbed.
It is 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).
Coloration ranges from uniform olive green to golden brown or yellowish, sometimes lighter ventrally. It sometimes has darker streaks over the head and body or patches of white or pink.
[edit] References
- "Haplocylix littoreus". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. May 2006 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2006.
