Family Gobiesocidae
Clingfish
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned)
Order: Gobiesociformes

Key Features:
Uniquely suited for survival in high wave energy environments, clingfish are oddly shaped bottom-dwelling fish.  With fused pelvic fins that form an extremely strong sucking disc and a dorsal-ventrally compressed body they are able to withstand substantial water movement.  Many are also able to survive out of water for several days if kept moist, thanks in part to their ability to produce large amounts of mucus.  While most are found in shallow water or intertidal environments, a few have adapted their suction capabilities to surviving on hosts, most notably echinoderms such as urchins and crinoids. 

Notable Species in the Sea of Cortez

Tomicodon humeralis

Sonora Clingfish

Tomicodon boehlkei

Cortez Clingfish

Tomicodon zebra

Zebra Clingfish

Tomicodon myersi

Blackstripe Clingfish

Tomicodon eos

Rosy Clingfish

Gobiesox pinniger

Tadpole Clingfish

Gobiesox schultzi

Smoothlip Clingfish

Gobiesox adustus

Panamic Clingfish

Gobiesox papillifer

Bearded Clingfish