Eastern Blue Devil, Paraplesiops bleekeri (Günther, 1861)

Introduction

The Eastern Blue Devil is a beautiful, secretive fish that is protected under New South Wales Fisheries Law.

Identification

The Eastern Blue Devil can be recognised by its banded pattern and yellow pectoral and caudal fins. The pelvic fins and posterior dorsal and anal fins are elongate. When spread these fins overlap, making the fish appear larger.

Habitat

It is sometimes seen by divers in caves and under ledges. In estuaries it is infrequently seen in water as shallow as 3 m, but is more commonly seen in coastal waters down to about 30 m depth.

Distribution

This species is endemic to Australia. It occurs in coastal waters from southern Queensland to southern New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Conservation status

The Eastern Blue Devil is protected under New South Wales Fisheries Laws. It may not be speared or collected by any means, or possessed without a permit.

References

1. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
4. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.