[2][3] This fish's habitat is usually isolated into separate pools and then subject to floods that change the water level by several metres.

Males develop spectacular spawning colours in summer, namely a more brilliant display of orange spots along the side and to the tail.

The anal and spiny and soft dorsal fins are edged with a tiny, iridescent, blue-white stripe.

[citation needed] These fish have, in recent times been victims of a dramatic, piebald discolouration of unknown origin.

[citation needed] In the Flinders Ranges, M. clivicola is the only species of fish found in the rocky pools which they inhabit.