---
title: Clingfishes (Gobiesocidae)
scientific_name: Gobiesocidae
common_name: Clingfishes
rank: Family
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-08T12:52:19.586Z
tags: Clingfishes, Gobiesocidae, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/clingfishes
---

# Clingfishes (*Gobiesocidae*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Family
- **Scientific name:** Gobiesocidae
- **Body shape:** Bottom-dwelling - Stocky, big-headed, sits on the reef or sand rather than swims - scorpionfishes, groupers, gobies.
- **Species listed here:** 2

## How to recognise this group

- very small size, typically 2-7 cm
- large sucking disc on chest
- smooth, scaleless body
- clings motionless to substrate
- cryptic coloration, often browns, greens, or reds

Clingfishes (Gobiesocidae) are small, scaleless fishes with torpedo-shaped or dorsally compressed bodies, typically measuring 2-7 cm (0.8-2.8 in) in total length. Their most distinctive feature is a large, prominent sucking disc on the chest, formed from modified pelvic fins, which allows them to adhere firmly to surfaces. Body coloration is variable, ranging from cryptic browns, greens, and greys, often matching their surroundings, to brighter reds or patterns.

Members of this family inhabit shallow reef crests, rocky shores, and seagrass beds, found from the intertidal zone down to approximately 30 m (100 ft). Many species are highly cryptic, remaining largely sedentary and clinging steadfastly to their chosen substrate, even in strong currents. They are often found concealed on the underside of rocks, among algae, or within the spines of sea urchins. Clingfishes are primarily opportunistic feeders, preying on small benthic invertebrates.


## Species (2)

- [Lined Clingfish (Lepadichthys lineatus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/clingfishes/lined-clingfish)
- [Red Sea Clingfish (Lepadichthys erythraeus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/clingfishes/red-sea-clingfish)

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/clingfishes)*
*Updated: August 8, 2026*