Northern clingfish
📖 Overview
Facultative air-breathing in the genus ; Found in intertidal rocky areas among algae, and on kelp (often high in kelp canopy) . May remain out of water under rocks or seaweeds . Feeds on small crustaceans and mollusks . Breathes air when out of water .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 16; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 12 - 14. Caudal fin well rounded; pectorals short and broad, a fleshy pulp between the base of the fin and the gill opening; pelvic fins united anteriorly by a papillose membrane, the rays are flexible and support the lateral rim of a prominent adhesive disc; the disc is completed posteriorly by a broad fringed fold of skin on the lower part of the body, and is separated from the pelvic fins by a deep notch . Light olive brown to cherry red, reticulated with darker or mottled with light shades; dark radiating lines from eyes and joining the eyes through a series of reticulations; white bars between eyes and in young across back and on edge of caudal fin .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Northern clingfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 0 - 8 m . Subtropical; 59°N -
🌿 Ecology
small crustaceans and mollusks (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Northern clingfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Northern clingfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Northern clingfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Common cling-fish · Flathead clingfish · northern clingfish |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Nordlig dobbeltsuger |
| 🇩🇪German | Flachkopfschildbauch |
| 🇫🇷French | crampon barbiolé · crampon bariolé |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Северная колбнещука |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Pejesapo · chupapiedra norteña · chupapiedras norteña |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 條紋喉盤魚 |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 11 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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