Masked Pigfish, Bodianus flavifrons (Gomon, 2001)

Introduction

The Masked Pigfish can be recognised by its colouration. It grows to at least 42 cm in length and is known from eastern Australia.

Identification

The Masked Pigfish is pink above and white below. It has two yellow bands, one across the snout and the second across the forehead to the eyes. The second band continues to the upper rear margin of the operculum. A yellow stripe runs from the back of the mouth to the angle of the preoperculum. The lower region of the operculum is yellow. There is a red blotch on the pectoral fin base. The dorsal fin is pink with a yellow stripe basally and a red spot on the first three to four spines.

The scientific name flavifrons comes from flavus (Latin for yellow) and frons (Latin for brow or forehead).

Distribution

The species is known from off the central coast of New South Wales, the Lord Howe Rise, the Kermadec Ridge off north-eastern New Zealand and off southern New Caledonia.

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

1. Gomon, M.F. 2001. Descriptions of two new species of Bodianus (Perciformes: Labridae) from Australasian waters. New Zealand Journal of Zoology. 28: 407-416.
2. Roberts, C.D & A.L. Stewart. 2002. Two new foxfishes described. Seafood New Zealand. New Zealand Seafood Industry Magazine Limited. February 2002: 81-84.