(Image credit: David Harasti)

The body can vary in colour, most commonly have a bright blue front fading into a green posterior. Blue frontal area and green rear is common, but light grey, brown and yellow may also be present. An elongated oval-shaped black spot is visible behind the eye. The tail is usually a bright orange or red with light striations and dark banding at the trailing edge. The skin is rough due to tiny scales with a raised, spike-like surface. The first dorsal fin has been altered to form a large spine. Pelvic fin is small. Mouth area is pointed with small lips.

Length: Up to 15 cm

Habitat

Commonly amongst rocks in lagoons and shallow reefs; 0-20 m depth

Log it

In New South Wales, log this species if spotted south of Bate Bay

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/