It is the modified fin rays that form the suction disk 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 incisor-like teeth and a large, blunt posteriorly projecting spine at the lower margin of the operculum (gill cover).

Can be found in rockpools and subtidally, usually clinging under rocks or boulders. Takes cover when disturbed.

Predator. Feeds on amphipods, gastropods, and fishes.

It is short-lived and breeds quickly. Females lay about 400 eggs which males guard for about 21 days.

.

Photo Credit: Rod Morris. Photos available from www.rodmorris.co.nz
Paulin, C. and C. Roberts, 1992. The rockpool fishes of New Zealand (Te ika aaria o Aotearoa). Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa). 177 p.