Fewray Weedfish, Heteroclinus sp 5


Other Names: Fewrayed Weedfish

Fewray Weedfish, Heteroclinus sp. 5. Source: Rudie H. Kuiter / Aquatic Photographics. License: All rights reserved

Summary:
A yellowish to brownish weedfish with 7-8 dark brown, sometimes broken bars on the body and tail that extend onto dorsal and anal fins, often small, white or silver spots scattered on the body, a brown orbital tentacle, and a dark first dorsal fin.
The Fewray Weedfish has a tall first dorsal fin, a long rounded orbital tentacle, and a simple nasal tentacle with the upper lobe longer than the nostril tube. 

Cite this page as:
Bray, D.J. 2021, Heteroclinus sp 5 in Fishes of Australia, accessed 28 Mar 2024, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/5245

Fewray Weedfish, Heteroclinus sp 5

More Info


Distribution

Endemic to southern Australia, from Victor Harbour, South Australia, to the Recherche Archipelago, Western Australia. Inhabits sea grass and algae in bays and shallow coastal waters.

Features

Dorsal fin III, XXV-XXX,2-3; Anal fin II,18-21; Pectoral fin 8-9; Pelvic fin I,3; Caudal fin (segmented rays) 8-10; Lateral line scales 4-13; Gill rakers 2 + 5-7 = 7-9.  
Body of moderate depth (depth at anal fin origin 22-28% SL), sides strongly compressed. Jaws reaching to anterior margin of pupils; 12-15 circumorbital head pores arranged uniserially; each orbital tentacle elongate, round (3-7% SL); nasal tentacles simple, upper lobe longer than nostril tube. Lateral line short, not extending beyond pectoral fins. 
Two dorsal fins, first dorsal elevated (second spine 11-17% SL) beginning over posterior half of eyes, not connected to second dorsal fin; flaps from dorsal spines bound in membrane; last dorsal ray widely separated from preceding ray; anal fin membrane deeply incised; last anal ray broadly connected to peduncle by membrane; caudal fin rounded, long (23-27% SL). Pelvic fins thin, reaching to about anus; inner ray one-third to one-half length of second ray, reaching to anus or beyond.

Colour

Head and body yellow to brown, belly paler than body; seven or eight dark brown, sometimes broken bars on trunk and tail extending onto dorsal and anal fins; body often with scattered small, white or silver spots; head mottled, short dark brown, oblique bar running under each eye and over upper lip, second bar angled obliquely downward from upper edge of each eye to point just posterior to jaws; each orbital tentacle brown; base of caudal fin and upper and lower caudal rays dark brown; first dorsal fin dark, other fins with series of brown spots forming transverse bands.

Author

Bray, D.J. 2021

Fewray Weedfish, Heteroclinus sp 5

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.

Quick Facts


CAAB Code:37416029

Depth:1-10 m

Habitat:Reef associated

Max Size:6 cm TL

Native:Endemic

Species Image Gallery

Species Maps

CAAB distribution map