Aplodactylus lophodon Günther, 1859 Rock cale |
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photo by
Yau, B. |
Family: | Aplodactylidae (Marblefishes) | |||
Max. size: | 45 cm SL (male/unsexed) | |||
Environment: | demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 10 m | |||
Distribution: | Southwest Pacific: southeastern Australia only. | |||
Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 17-17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-20; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 6-7; Vertebrae: 35-35. Adults have a short-based anal fin, pectoral fins with thickened lower rays, and are grey to blue-black with lighter mottling on the sides and light spots on the fins (Ref. 33616). It is distinguished from its congeners in having larger body scales (lateral-line scales 72± 82 vs. 83± 120) and absence of vomerine teeth (Ref. 86913). | |||
Biology: | Found on shallow exposed rocky shores, aggregating in high-energy zone, just below foaming surface to depths of about 10 m (Ref. 9002); in kelp and weed areas (Ref. 86913). Feed on either loose or attached weeds and algae (Ref. 9002); mainly consisting of Corallina pilulifera, together with smaller quantities of Ulva actuca, Jania and filamentous species such as Sphacelaria sp. (Ref. 86913). | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435) | |||
Threat to humans: | harmless |