General Description

Head and body compressed, wedge-shaped, dorsal fin joined to tail fin; lack pelvic fins and scales, and are covered in wart-like bumps. Vary from red to orange, brown to a dirty yellow or white, often with darker blotches. To 22 cm.

Biology

These sedentary fishes regularly shed their skin to prevent the build-up of fouling organisms. The warty skin enhances their camouflage. When disturbed, they often release a cloud of noxious liquid.

Habitat

Rocky reefs and seagrass or algal beds on coastal reefs and in bays and harbours, usually in association with sponges, at depths of 1-45 m.

Reefs

Seagrass meadows

Sponge gardens

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Fishes › Prowfishes

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

22 cm

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed