Girdled Scalyfin, Parma unifasciata (Steindachner, 1867)

Scientific name: Parma unifasciata
Alternative name/s:
Girdled Parma
Girdled Scalyfin, Parma unifasciata Click to enlarge image
A Girdled Scalyfin at a depth of 19 m, South Solitary Island, New South Wales, March 1997. Image: Ian Shaw
© Ian Shaw

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Parma
    Species
    unifasciata
    Family
    Pomacentridae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    This species grows to 20 cm in length.

Introduction

Colouration of the Girdled Scalyfin changes with growth. The species is endemic to Australia

Identification

The dorsal fin of the Girdled Parma has a long-based spinous section and a tall, short-based soft-rayed portion. The body is covered with large ctenoid scales. Colouration of the species changes with growth. The images show the typical adult body colouration of a grey to brown body with a white bar. Juveniles are yellow and blue with a faint bar.

Distribution

It is endemic to Australia, occurring from southern Queensland to southern New South Wales.

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.

References

  1. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
  2. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  3. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  5. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.