General Description

Body very long, slender, with long rays projecting from the tail, a blunt head, and a low, long-based dorsal fin. Pinkish-brown, pale below, with a large black blotch at the tail base and bright blue eyes. To 15 cm.

Biology

These fishes form small to very large schools near caves and ledges, and under jetties and piers, feeding on zooplankton in the water column. Their common name is derived from the behaviour of constantly flicking their tails, resembling the skirts of hula dancers.

Habitat

Sheltered coastal reefs and rocky areas in bays and estuaries, in depths of 1-35 m.

Reefs

Distribution guide

South-eastern Australia, including western and central Victoria.

Species Group

Fishes › Blue devils and hulafishes

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

15 cm

Diet

Omnivore

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