Clinidae

fish family

Also known as: clinid, scaled blenny

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

The Clinidae are a family of viviparous blennies. These fish are widely distributed in the intertidal zones of temperate and tropical seas, with a notable abundance off the coasts of California and southern Africa.1

The family Clinidae belongs to the suborder Blennioidei, which are characterized by soft, unbranched fin rays and pelvic fins located in front of the pectoral fins. Clinids themselves are described as percoidlike fishes, some of which are moderately elongated and flat-sided with pointed snouts and fleshy lips. Their dorsal and anal fins are typically high and long-based, with fin membranes supported by thin, riblike rays. Some species possess unique adaptations, such as divided eyes that allow them to see out of the water.2

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perciform
Annotated classification
Family Clinidae (clinids) Eocene to present. Percoidlike fishes, some moderately elongated, rather flat-sided, usually with somewhat pointed snouts and fleshy lips; dorsal and anal fins rather high and long-based, with fin membranes conspicuously supported by thin, riblike fin rays; caudal fin fanlike, not large; pelvic fins ahead…
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Family Clinidae (clinids) Eocene to present. Percoidlike fishes, some moderately elongated, rather flat-sided, usually with somewhat pointed snouts and fleshy lips; dorsal and anal fins rather high and long-based, with fin membranes conspicuously supported by thin, riblike fin rays; caudal fin fanlike, not large; pelvic fins ahead…
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blenny
The two largest are Clinidae, or clinids, with about 180 species, and Blenniidae, or blenniids, with about 300. Family Clinidae—a group made up of kelpfishes, fringeheads, and others—are carnivorous fishes that are usually less than 30 cm (12 inches) long. They have a long, many-spined dorsal fin and usually…
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The two largest are Clinidae, or clinids, with about 180 species, and Blenniidae, or blenniids, with about 300. Family Clinidae—a group made up of kelpfishes, fringeheads, and others—are carnivorous fishes that are usually less than 30 cm (12 inches) long. They have a long, many-spined dorsal fin and usually…
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