(Image credit: Erik Schlögl)

The distinguishing feature on this goatfish species is the large black mark on the upper surface just before the tail. In front of this black mark is a white or light yellow marking. The body is red to brown above and a lighter shade below. Light and dark bands run horizontally along the body. Distinctive barbels under chin (which are a lighter shade of the body colour). Juveniles form small schools with other species. Adults are usually found in pairs or on their own.

Length: Up to 47 cm

Habitat

Coastal areas and estuaries with sandy substrates; 1-25 m depth

Log it

In New South Wales, log this species if seen south of Port Stephens and in Western Australia, log this species if seen on the south coast

Related links/info

Species names on the Redmap site are based on the Codes for Australian Aquatic Biota or CAAB (http://www.cmar.csiro.au/caab/). This is updated regularly and lists the approved common name, family, species name and more.

Redmap species descriptions were based, with permission, on the following resources:

Australian Marine Life: The Plants and Animals of Temperate Waters by G. J. Edgar, Revised Ed. (2008) Reed Books, Melbourne

Fishes of Australia’s Southern Coast, Edited by M. Gomon. D. Bray and R. Kuiter (2008) Reed Books, Melbourne

Find further information and images at FISHES OF AUSTRALIA http://www.fishesofaustralia.net.au/

Allen, GR (2009) Field Guide to Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia Western Australian Museum.

Hutchins, B & Swainston, R (1999) Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Swainston Publishing