Dragonet, Bovichtus angustifrons (Regan, 1913)

Animal Species:Dragonet, Bovichtus angustifrons (Regan, 1913)

The Dragonet is a small, temperate water fish that has strong spines at the rear of the head.

Dragonet at Second Valley
David Muirhead © David Muirhead

Alternative Name/s

Marblefish, Thornfish

Identification

The Dragonet has a moderately elongate body and large pectoral fins. Its head is triangular when viewed from above. There is a strong spine projecting from upper margin of the operculum.

The species is variably coloured from blue-grey to light brown. It has red to brown mottling on the sides. The fins have red and yellow blotches.

Size range

The Dragonet grows to 30 cm in length.

Distribution

The species is endemic to Australia, occurring from southern New South Wales to the central coast of South Australia and throughout coastal Tasmania.

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 Dragonet specimens in the Australian Museum.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It is found in a range of habitats including rocky reefs, tide pools and wharf pilings in temperate marine waters.

Classification

Species:: angustifrons
Genus:: Bovichtus
Family:: Bovichtidae
Order:: Perciformes
Class:: Actinopterygii
Subphylum:: Vertebrata
Phylum:: Chordata
Kingdom:: Animalia

What does this mean?

References

Gomon, M.F., Bray, D. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 2008. The Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Reed New Holland. Pp. 928.
Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.

Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 15 February 2013