clingfish

Rock-gripping sea creature

A clingfish is a small marine fish with a suction disc on its underside, formed from modified pelvic fins, that allows it to cling tightly to rocks, coral, and other surfaces in turbulent waters.

Most species are only a few inches long and live in shallow coastal habitats.

taxonomy

goby

Small coastal fish

blennySmall elongated marine fish
sculpinSpiny-headed bottom fish
dragonetSmall ornate seafloor fish

mudskipper · ichthyology · species · family · vertebrate · tropical · temperate · biodiversity

attachment

suction

Pulling via pressure difference

gripSecure manual hold
clingHold tightly to
adhereStick firmly to

seal · vacuum · pressure · adhesion · bond · attach · stick · clasp · latch · anchor

anatomy

sucker

Easily fooled person

holdfastDevice for secure attachment
discFlat circular object
ventralOf the belly

fins · gills · scales · pelvic · streamlined · flattened · small · scaleless · smooth · elongated

habitat

tidepool

Coastal rock hollow holding seawater

reefUnderwater rock or coral formation
rocky shoreCoastline of boulders
intertidalZone between high and low watermarks

seaweed · kelp · coral · mangrove · estuary · brackish · saltwater · substrate · crevice · shellfish

research

biomimicry

Design imitating natural systems

adhesionState of clinging fast
roboticsAutomaton design field
medical devicesTools for patient care

suction cup · surface texture · inspiration · engineering · technology

Opposites

locomotion and attachment strategy

clingfishtuna

Large edible ocean fish

mackerel · marlin · mako shark · bluefin tuna · sailfish

habitat zone

clingfishdeep-sea fish

Marine life from ocean depths

blue shark · ocean sunfish · yellowfin tuna

Family

fish, fishing, fishes, clinging, clings, clung, clinger

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