Diplocrepis puniceus (Richardson, 1846)
Orange clingfish

Family:  Gobiesocidae (Clingfishes and singleslits), subfamily: Diplocrepinae
Max. size:  12.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 15 m
Distribution:  Southwest Pacific: endemic to New Zealand.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-11; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 4-5. Olive pink or green to brown, red, yellow or lilac, with or without stripes, spots or bars. Breeding males with pinkish dorsal saddle. Distinguished from other clingfishes by the large, rounded head with incisorform teeth and a large, blunt posteriorly projecting spine at the lower margin of the operculum.
Biology:  Common in rock pools at low tide and sub-tidally. Found clinging under rocks or boulders in more sheltered areas. Feeds on amphipods, gastropods, and fishes. Takes cover when disturbed.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.