Rainbow Cale, Heteroscarus acroptilus (Richardson 1846)


Other Names: Marine Rainbowfish, Rainbow Fish, Rainbowfish

A male Rainbow Cale, Heteroscarus acroptilus, at Bass Point, New South Wales, January 2017. Source: John Turnbull / Flickr. License: CC by Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

Summary:
Males have two rows of broad dark blotches along the sides, iridescent blue lines on the head, a blue submarginal band on the dorsal, anal and pelvic fins, and elongate anterior dorsal-fin spines. Females and juveniles are yellowish to greenish or reddish-brown with dark markings on the sides.
The Rainbow Cale was previously known as Odax acroptilus.

Video of a Rainbow Cale

Cite this page as:
Bray, D.J. 2017, Heteroscarus acroptilus in Fishes of Australia, accessed 02 Apr 2025, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/300

Quick Facts


CAAB Code:37385010

Biology:Able to change sex

Conservation:IUCN Least Concern

Depth:1-60 m

Habitat:Reef associated

Max Size:24 cm SL

Native:Endemic