Trachelochismus pinnulatus
Mohakihaki
Mowhakiwhaki
Fish
Chordata
Actinopterygii
Gobiesocidae
A small clingfish which is easily identified by the coat of slippery mucous which covers it's body in place of scales. It has a blunt snout and a rather large upper lip. It can be many different colours including red, pink or green usually with bands of brown or yellow running along the body. Like all cling fish the pectoral and pelvic fins have been modified into a sucker.
Found at or near low tide down to 12m. Usually in rock pools attached to the under side fo rocks.
This fish feeds on small invertebrates such as snails, worms, and sandhoppers.
Nests are found under rocks in rock pools. The male guards the fertilised eggs and oxygenates them by wafting water over them with his fins. This also keeps them clear of sediment. eggs are laid by several different females at different times and he is usually responsible for about 2000 eggs.
Photo Credit: Rod Morris. Photos available from www.rodmorris.co.nz