Banded Weedfish, Heteroclinus whiteleggii (Ogilby, 1894)
Whitelegg's Weedfish, Long-nosed Weed-fish
Introduction
The Banded Weedfish is a cryptic species that lives in rockpools, intertidal areas and shallow weed-covered rocky reefs. Its background colouration varies from pink to brown or green.
Identification
The species has a short-based first dorsal fin connected by membrane to a long-based second dorsal fin. The finger-like pelvic fin rays are positioned below the gill openings.
The background colouration of this fish is highly variable, ranging from pink to brown or green. There is usually a series of white dashes along the lower sides of the body.
Habitat
It occurs in rockpools, intertidal areas and shallow weed-covered rocky reefs.
Distribution
It is endemic to Australia, occurring in New South Wales from Byron Bay to Jervis Bay.
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.
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.