Recherche Weedfish, Heteroclinus sp 1

Summary:

A small pale greyish weedfish with white mottling scattered on the body, and 4-6 indistinct dark irregular bands along the side. The orbital tentacle is broad and crenulate with short broad lobes, and the nasal tentacle is elongate with 2-3 very short lobes on each side.

Cite this page as:

Bray, D.J. 2021, Heteroclinus sp 1 in Fishes of Australia, accessed 20 Apr 2024, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/5241

Recherche Weedfish, Heteroclinus sp 1

More Info

Distribution	A poorly known species found in the Recherche Archipelago region of south Western Australia. Inhabits subtidal rocky reefs in depths to 15 m.
Features	Dorsal fin III + XXVII-XXVIII,2; Anal fin II,19-20; Pectoral fin 13; Caudal fin (segmented rays) 10-11; Pelvic fin I,2; Lateral line 17-22 (arched portion) + 13-18 (straight portion); Gill rakers 2-3 + 6-7 = 8-9. Body of moderate depth (depth at anal fin origin 20-23% SL), strongly compressed; caudal peduncle very slender. Head of moderate to large size (27-30% SL); eyes of moderate size (8-10% SL); mouth of moderate size (upper jaw length 10-12% SL), reaching below middle to end of pupils; 19-22 circumorbital head pores arranged uniserially (sometimes biserial above eyes); each orbital tentacle broad and crenulate with short, broad lobes (2-3% SL); nasal tentacles elongate with two or three very short lobes on each side; gill rakers simple. Body scales cycloid, lateral-line scales end under posterior dorsal spines, anterior scales overlapping, each with single dorsal pore positioned posteriorly, posterior scales not overlapping, each with median pore at either end. Two dorsal fins, first dorsal slightly elevated (second spine 8-12% SL) originating midway between eyes and posterior preopercular margins, last spine connected to base of second dorsal fin; flaps extending posteriorly from dorsal spines bound in fin membrane; last dorsal spine connected by membrane to caudal fin; anal fin membrane deeply incised, last ray narrowly connected to caudal peduncle; caudal fin rounded (19-21% SL). Pectoral fins large, rounded. Pelvic fins jugular, rays not reaching anus.
Author	Bray, D.J. 2021

Recherche Weedfish, Heteroclinus sp 1

References

Hoese, D.F., Gomon, M.F. & Rennis, D.S. 2008. Family Clinidae. pp. 696-722 in Gomon, M.F., Bray, D.J. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds). Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Sydney : Reed New Holland 928 pp.

Rennis, D., Hoese, D.F. & Gomon, M.F. 1994. Family Clinidae. pp. 741-775, figs 650-684B in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds). The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. Adelaide : State Printer 992 pp. 810 figs. (as Heteroclinus sp. 9)