Onespot Puller, Chromis hypsilepis (Gunther, 1876)

Scientific name: Chromis hypsilepis
Alternative name/s:
Brown Puller, One-spot Chromis
Onespot Puller, Chromis hypsilepis Click to enlarge image
A Onespot Puller at a depth of 10 m, Fly Point, Port Stephens, New South Wales,18 November 2012. Image: Matt Dowse
© Matt Dowse

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Chromis
    Species
    hypsilepis
    Family
    Pomacentridae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 15 cm in length.

Introduction

The Onespot Puller is a schooling species with a distinct white spot at the base of the tail.

Identification

The Onespot Puller is blue-grey or green-grey. It has a distinct white spot on the caudal peduncle and a black pectoral fin base.

Habitat

It lives in rocky areas.

Distribution

The species is recorded from northern New South Wales to northern 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.

Feeding and diet

It is often seen above the sea bottom schooling in large numbers and feeding on zooplankton.

Breeding behaviours

The eggs of Onespot Pullers are deposited communally on rocky reefs, and are guarded by numerous males.

References

  1. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
  2. Kuiter, R.H. 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.
  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.