MYSTERY FISH ?????

Hello again. I have been hard at work trying to identify the "Mystery Fish" found at Abalone Cove on the 3/9/09 field trip (Marymount College Sci. 160 Spring '09). This fish was found in the mid-low intertidal zone on the bottom of a rock. This fish appeared to be a juvenile ray since it had no scales and an arrow shaped body (bigger rounded head). It was slimy but had one perplexing aspect. It had fully developed opercula (gill flaps) and appeared to be able to survive without any trouble outside of the water. This fish also had dorsal and caudal fins, a sign that begins to spell out doom for the ray theory, since none of the local rays had any structures like this. The answer was found in "Life Between The Tides", by Jeffrey Brandon and Frank Rokop (1985).  This amazing little guide unveiled the mystery for us.  The fish seen here is a California Clingfish, Gobiesox rhessodon.  Compared to its close relative, The Northern Clingfish (Gobiesox maeandricus) it is relatively uncommon because it prefers safe areas under rocks.  The Clingfish are a family of fish that are named because they have a ventral sucker (ventral means underside or belly) that is used to "cling" to rocks, substrates or even other fish.  The California Clingfish has a sheath-like tissue covering so that it can cover the sucker when its not fixed.   In the intertidal zone, the sucker comes in handy because it keeps the fish from being dragged away by the tide or pounded by the force of the waves.  This is a key adaptation when it comes to protection.  I have added a link under the "Helpful Links" column.  The field guide "Life Between The Tides", is also available for checkout from the Marymount Library.