Animal Species:Razorfish, Aeoliscus strigatus (Günther, 1860)
The Razorfish is an unusual species that is encased in thin plates. It swims with the head down and the back facing the direction of travel.
Razorfish at 'Susan's Reef'
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Identification
The Razorfish has a highly compressed body that is encased in thin plates. It has a long pointed snout and an elongated dorsal spine with a moveable tip.
The species is yellowish brown to pale with a black stripe running from the snout to the caudal peduncle.
Size range
It grows to 14 cm in length.
Distribution
The species occurs in marine waters of the Indo-west Pacific region.
In Australia it is known from northern Queensland to northern New South Wales.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Razorfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Other behaviours and adaptations
Fishes in the family Centriscidae have an unusual mode of swimming. They swim in a vertical position with the head down and with the back facing the direction of travel.
Razorfish are often seen in schools that dart between coral branches or between the spines of sea urchins (Diadema) when disturbed.
Classification
- Species:
- strigatus
- Genus:
- Aeoliscus
- Family:
- Centriscidae
- Order:
- Gasterosteiformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Seahorses, Pipefishes and their Relatives. A Comprehensive Guide to Syngnathiformes. TMC Publishing Pp. 240.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
Mark McGrouther
, Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:
Tags fishes, ichthyology, Razorfish, Aeoliscus strigatus,
