It is found in the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent Atlantic Ocean north to Galicia, Spain.

Occurs in the eastern Atlantic from Galicia, Spain to the Mediterranean, between latitudes 43.8° N and 30° N. L. lepadogaster often inhabits underwater boulder fields consisting of smooth rocks and large pebbles.

[4] The clingfish gets its name from the ability of the fish to attach itself to the rock walls of the ocean shore.

In addition to these suckers, the front fins of the clingfish are much stronger to aid in clinging to the rocks.

This is evident in both L. lepadogaster's swimming speed and in its more frequent feeding periods[6] The shore clingfish survives by consisting on a diet of mostly detritus material, meaning that it lives off the dead organic matter of its environment.