Dragonet, Bovichtus angustifrons (Regan, 1913)
Marblefish, Thornfish
Click to enlarge image
© David Muirhead
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Bovichtus
- Species
- angustifrons
- Family
- Bovichtidae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The Dragonet grows to 30 cm in length.
Introduction
The Dragonet is a small, temperate water fish that has strong spines at the rear of the head.
Identification
The Dragonet has a moderately elongate body and large pectoral fins. Its head is triangular when viewed from above. There is a strong spine projecting from upper margin of the operculum.
The species is variably coloured from blue-grey to light brown. It has red to brown mottling on the sides. The fins have red and yellow blotches.
Habitat
It is found in a range of habitats including rocky reefs, tide pools and wharf pilings in temperate marine waters.
Distribution
The species is endemic to Australia, occurring from southern New South Wales to the central coast of South Australia and throughout coastal Tasmania.
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
- Gomon, M.F., Bray, D. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 2008. The Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Reed New Holland. Pp. 928.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
