Gobiesocidae
by J. C. Briggs
Small fishes ranging in size from 16.7 mm to about 300 mm SL. A great variety of body shapes, but anterior part of head always depressed. Lateral line with well-developed pores on head, but less distinct on body. Scales absent. Anterior nostril tubular; posterior nostril usually so. A single dorsal and anal fin; pelvic fins incorporated into prominent adhesive disc located on ventral body surface. For descriptive purposes, the surface of the disc is divided into three different areas (Fig. 1): region A is the anterior portion; region B the posterior and region C the central. Mostly in shallow, tropical or warm temperate waters, where they cling to substrate (rocks, algae or sea-grasses) with disc. Their streamlined shape and clinging ability enable them to live at localities with strong wave action and currents. All species are carnivores. The relatively large eggs are guarded by one or both parents. Internal fertilization may take place in some species.
Genera about 40; in Clofnam area 5.
All 5 genera belong to the subfamily Lepadogastrinae, distinguished by 3 1/2 gills, gill membrane attached to isthmus, and a disc in which the posterior portion has a free anterior edge separating it from the anterior portion.
Recent revisions: Briggs (1955, 1957).