Wildlife of the Month - Urchin Clingfish
Anna Clague Jan 29, 2025
Dellichthys morelandi
Habitat – Urchin Clingfish are found around New Zealand wherever sea urchins are present. Occurs in rock pools and the subtidal zone down to 15m. Usually found beneath the spines of sea urchins. Individuals too large to be associated with sea urchins are usually found beneath rocks or among shell debris.
Feeding - Feeds mainly on the tube feet and pedicellariae of its host sea urchins, Evechinus chloroticus (Kina) and on small crustaceans.
Size - length is up to 7cm.
Breeding habits – Spawning occurs in spring/summer and they lay eggs in clusters on the bottom.
Defense – hide - mainly under urchins or rocks
Description - Head and body purple or cream with blue spots. A band of pale colour across nape. Distinguished from other clingfishes by its thin lips, exposed flap of skin across the snout and a small fleshy swelling at the base of the pectoral fin. Clingfish get their name from their ability to cling to the substrate using a suction pad on their belly derived from modified pectoral and pelvic fins.
