Animal Species:Zebrafish, Girella zebra (Richardson, 1846)

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.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums.  Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Zebrafish specimens in the Australian Museum.

What does this mean?

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.

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

What does this mean?

References

1. 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.

Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 12 October 2012

Tags fishes, ichthyology, Zebrafish, Girella zebra, white, black\, yellow, stripes and bands, 30 cm - 1 m, marine, adult, grey,