The top of the clay shelf is dry at low tide. Odd-looking Once captured and examined closely, clingfish can hardly be mistaken for any other fish. They have a broad body, depressed anteriorly, with small eyes set on top close to the mouth. The dorsal and ventral fins are set fairly far back on the body. Seen from above, skilletfish look much like large tadpoles.
Color is extremely variable and the fish darken and lighten rapidly depending on substrate.
Various blotches, bars, and stripes may be present. On a sandy or silty bottom, they are difficult to see. Also notable is the large mouth equipped with remarkably strong teeth. They appear to be entirely carnivorous. In the aquarium, skilletfish are not loath to attack organisms of their own size.