Animal Species:Banded Weedfish, Heteroclinus whiteleggii (Ogilby, 1894)

Alternative Name/s

Whitelegg's Weedfish, Long-nosed Weed-fish

Identification

The species has a short-based first dorsal fin connected by membrane to a long-based second dorsal fin. The finger-like pelvic fin rays are positioned below the gill openings.

The background colouration of this fish is highly variable, ranging from pink to brown or green. There is usually a series of white dashes along the lower sides of the body.

Size range

The Banded Weedfish grows to 10 cm in length.

Distribution

It is endemic to Australia, occurring in New South Wales from Byron Bay to Jervis Bay.

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.

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Banded Weedfish specimens in the Australian Museum.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It occurs in rockpools, intertidal areas and shallow weed-covered rocky reefs.

Classification

Species:

whiteleggii

Genus:

Heteroclinus

Family:

Clinidae

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.

Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 7 March 2013

Tags fishes, ichthyology, Banded Weedfish, Heteroclinus whiteleggii, Whitelegg's Weedfish, pinkish-brown, odd-shaped, mottled bands, rocky reef and intertidal, marine, < 10 cm, brackish, big eyes,