Spotted Grubfish, Parapercis ramsayi (Steindachner, 1883)

Introduction

The Spotted Grubfish has small pale grey to brown spots on the upper sides of the body. It is known from coastal marine waters in New South Wales and from Kangaroo Island, South Australia to north of Fremantle, Western Australia.

Identification

The Spotted Grubfish has small pale grey to brown spots on the upper sides of the body. There is a dark line or series of close-set spots laterally and a pattern of dark blotches low on the sides. The species has a dark ocellus on the caudal peduncle and large dark spots on the head.

Habitat

It has been recorded from shallow waters in estuaries to a depth of at least 80 m.

Distribution

It is known from coastal marine waters in New South Wales and from Kangaroo Island, South Australia to north of Fremantle, Western Australia.

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. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
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. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
4. Kuiter, R.H. in Gomon, M.F., C.J.M. Glover & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.