Animal Species:Eastern Hulafish, Trachinops taeniatus Günther, 1861

The Eastern Hulafish's name describes its exaggerated swimming movements. It is common in New South Wales.

Identification

The Eastern Hulafish has an elongate body and distinctive colour pattern. The caudal fin of young fish is rounded, but the centre rays become longer in adults. The common name comes from the Eastern Hulafish's exaggerated swimming movements.

Size range

The species grows to 10 cm in length.

Distribution

The Eastern Hulafish occurs from southern Queensland to eastern Victoria. It is common in New South Wales.

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.

Trachinops taeniatus

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Eastern Hulafish specimens in the Australian Museums.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It is commonly observed schooling on rocky reefs.

Feeding and Diet

It feeds on zooplankton.

Classification

Species:
taeniatus
Genus:
Trachinops
Family:
Plesiopidae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  2. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags Fishes, Ichthyology, Eastern Hulafish, Trachinops taeniatus, Plesiopidae, common in New South Wales, elongate, distinctive colour pattern, exaggerated swimming movements, < 10 cm, rocky reef, marine,