ANIMAL SPECIES:Zebrafish, Girella zebra (Richardson, 1846)
Adult Zebrafish have a pale body with nine or ten tapering dark bars on the sides. The fish occurs in shallow coastal reefs in southern Australian waters.
Alternative Name/s
It has also been referred to as the Stripey Bream.Identification
The Zebrafish can be recognised by its pale body with nine or ten tapering dark bars on the sides. It has pale yellow fins. Juveniles are darker with less distinct banding.
This fish has a long based dorsal fin and a large forked caudal fin. It has a small mouth. The maxillae of the upper jaw are concealed behind the preorbital bones. The jaws have a distinct outer row of flattened tricuspid teeth behind which is a band of smaller teeth.
Size range
The species grows to 51 cm in length.Distribution
The Zebrafish is endemic to Australia. It is known from northern New South Wales, around the south of the country, including north-eastern Tasmania, to the central coast of Western Australia.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Zebrafish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
It is usually found on rocky reefs in shallow coastal waters down to 20 m in depth. It is sometimes seen in protected offshore waters and estuaries.
Behaviour and adaptations
Other behaviours and adaptations
It is a schooling species.
Classification
- Species:
- zebra
- Genus:
- Girella
- Family:
- Kyphosidae
- Order:
- Perciformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Gomon, M.F. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
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Zebrafish, Girella zebra View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
A Zebrafish at north-west Kangaroo Island View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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