Red Sea Clingfish
Fishes · Bony fishes · Clingfishes

Red Sea Clingfish

Lepadichthys erythraeus Briggs & Link, 1963
4 cmLeast Concern
707

The 🌊 Red Sea Clingfish, scientifically known as Lepadichthys erythraeus, is a small and fascinating fish species native to the biodiverse waters of the 🌊 Red Sea. This particular clingfish is part of the family Gobiesocidae, known for their unique adaptation that allows them to cling onto various surfaces in their marine environments.

ypically measuring up to 4 centimeters in length, the 🌊 Red Sea Clingfish is frequently observed in proximity to sea urchins. One of its most distinguishing characteristics is the ventral sucker disc, which is an adaptation derived from modified pelvic fins. This unique feature allows the clingfish to secure itself to a range of substrates, including rocks, coral, and even larger marine organisms. Such an adaptation proves critical in navigating the 🌊 Red Sea's robust currents and wave dynamics.

Why it's threatened

Residential & commercial development
Housing & urban areas
Pollution
Run-off
Climate change & severe weather
Temperature extremes

Coral reef habitats in the Red Sea are threatened by climate change, increasing coastal populations, urbanization, coastal development, maritime transport, oil spills, pollution, treated water from desalination plants, habitat destruction and unsustainable exploitation of coastal and marine resources (Rasul and Stewart 2015). Fringing reefs are generally in good condition except those adjacent to major cities (Rasul and Stewart 2015).

Threat classification from the IUCN Red List.

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Last Update: June 28, 2026