Western Cleaner Clingfish

Cochleoceps bicolor

Cochleoceps bicolor - Western Cleaner Clingfish
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image_search Terms and anatomy

Size: 4 cm

Distribution: All SA coastal and gulf waters

Habitat: Rocky reef, often attending larger fish

Depth: Subtidal to 10+ metres

Cochleoceps bicolor - Western Cleaner Clingfish
Cochleoceps bicolor - Western Cleaner Clingfish

An important member of the rocky reef community, the Western Cleaner Clingfish feeds on the parasites that inhabit the body of larger fish species. They set up a "cleaning station" on the reef, often over a sponge or ascidian colony. They can also be found attached to these larger species, notably Bluelined Leatherjacket (Meuschenia galii), Harlequin Fish (Othos dentex) and Dusky Morwong (Dactylophora nigricans). This species has a distinctive appearance, with its orange body, dark spotted with electric blue dorsal stripes, and is unlikely to be mistaken for other species in SA.


Further Reference

Fishes of Australia