Two-spotted Clingfish

Fact File:

Common Name(s):
Two-spotted Clingfish

Scientific Name:
Diplecoegaster bimaculata

Usual Size:
40 mm

UK Record Weights from rod/line:

Shore:

Boat:

MAFF Minimum Size: Shore: Boat:
Identification:
A very small flattened fish with a tapered head. A single dorsal fin at the rear of the body opposite the anal fin. Pelvic fins fused into a suction cup. Variable bright colours, notable a bright red, usually but often with two ocellated spots which may be hidden by the pectoral fins. It has a broader head than the similar fish with a duck-billed ridge on the top of the head and without the broad stripe across the head.

Breeding:
Summer (probable)

Habitat:
In shallow water, but rarely intertidal, and less likely to be found in kelp holdfasts than the similar species.

Food:
Small crustaceans (probable)

Range:
British coasts, mostly in south and west with the only BMLSS records from the south Cornish coast. Records from the Cullercoats area, Newcastle, and from the coast of Norway.

Additional Notes:
Additional Notes:  Records prior to 1971 may be the similar species. 

Information wanted: Please send any records of this fish, with location, date, who discovered it, how it was identified, prevalence, common name and any other details to 

Shorewatch Project    EMail 106127.206@compuserve.com.  

All messages will receive a reply.

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