Animal Species:Australian Mado, Atypichthys strigatus (Günther, 1860)
The Australian Mado is a schooling species that is particularly common on coastal reefs in southern New South Wales. It is also commonly found under jetties in harbors and large estuaries.
An Australian Mado at Macquarie Light
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Identification
The Australian Mado has a silver body with dark brown to black stripes, and yellow fins. It has large eyes, a small mouth and a forked tail.
Size range
The species grows to 25 cm in length.
Similar Species
The Australian Mado looks very similar to the New Zealand Mado but differs in colouration and fin ray counts.
Distribution
The species is recorded from southern Queensland to eastern Tasmania.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Distribution by collection data
Ozcam map of Australian Mado specimens in the Australian Museum.
Habitat
It is found on coastal and estuarine reefs and is one of the most common species in New South Wales.
Classification
- Species:
- strigatus
- Genus:
- Atypichthys
- Family:
- Kyphosidae
- Order:
- Perciformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Further Reading
- Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life; the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. in Gomon, M.F, Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
Mark McGrouther
, Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:
Tags fishes, ichthyology, Australian Mado, Atypichthys strigatus, Kyphosidae, black, white, yellow, 'normal fish', 10 cm - 30 cm, stripes or bands, marine, adult, big eyes,
