Sculptured Frogfish, Halophryne queenslandiae (De Vis, 1882)

ANIMAL SPECIES:Sculptured Frogfish, Halophryne queenslandiae (De Vis, 1882)

The Sculptured Frogfish can be recognised by its distinctive body shape and multi-lobed tentacles on the head and body. The pectoral fins are very large. There is a wide, slightly concave gap between the eyes.

Identification

Eight species of frogfishes (family Batrachoididae) are recorded from Australian waters. The southern distribution limit of the Sculptured Frogfish is overlapped by the northern distribution limit of the Eastern Frogfish.

Size range

The species grows to 30 cm in length.

Distribution

The Sculptured Frogfish is an endemic species that occurs from northern Queensland, to northern New South Wales.

Habitat

It is found on rocky reefs and sandy areas, at depths of 15 m or more.

Classification

Species:: queenslandiae
Genus:: Halophryne
Family:: Batrachoididae
Class:: Actinopterygii
Subphylum:: Vertebrata
Phylum:: Chordata
Kingdom:: Animalia

What does this mean?

References

Hutchins, J.B. 1976. A revision of the Australian frogfishes. Records of the Western Australian Museum. 4(1): 3-43, figs 1-17.
Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
Paxton, J.R., D.F. Hoese, G.R. Allen & J.E. Hanley. 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia Vol.7 Pisces Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra: Australian Biological Resources Survey. Pp. i-xii, 1-665.

Last Updated: 14 May 2009

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