Eastern Hulafish, Trachinops taeniatus Günther, 1861
Scientific name: Trachinops taeniatus
Click to enlarge image
An Eastern Hulafish at Fly Point, Port Stephens, New South Wales, 17 November 2012.
Image: Matt Dowse
© Matt Dowse
© Matt Dowse
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Trachinops
- Species
- taeniatus
- Family
- Plesiopidae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The species grows to 10 cm in length.
Introduction
The Eastern Hulafish's name describes its exaggerated swimming movements. It is common in New South Wales.
Identification
The Eastern Hulafish has an elongate body and distinctive colour pattern. The caudal fin of young fish is rounded, but the centre rays become longer in adults. The common name comes from the Eastern Hulafish's exaggerated swimming movements.
An Eastern Hulafish at a depth of 8 m, Fly Point Marine Reserve, Nelson Bay, New South Wales, December 2003.
Image: David and Leanne Atkinson
© David and Leanne Atkinson
© David and Leanne Atkinson
Habitat
It is commonly observed schooling on rocky reefs.
Distribution
The Eastern Hulafish occurs from southern Queensland to eastern Victoria. It is common in New South Wales.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia
Feeding and diet
It feeds on zooplankton.
References
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
