Urchin clingfish

Small but mighty, the urchin clingfish is the ultimate hide-and-seek champion. At only 2–3 cm long, it’s the smallest fish competing in Fish of the Year 2026! These cute little guys use modified fins like suction cups to hang onto rocks in crashing waves. Their favorite hangout? Right underneath the sharp spines of a kina (sea urchin). They live there for protection and occasionally snack on the urchin’s own feet—talk about a rude houseguest! You’ll need a keen eye and a lot of patience to spot these miniature suction-experts in your local New Zealand rock pools.