Animal Species:Eastern Blue Devil, Paraplesiops bleekeri (Günther, 1861)

The Eastern Blue Devil is a beautiful, secretive fish that is protected under New South Wales Fisheries Law.

Eastern Blue Devil at Boat Harbour

Eastern Blue Devil at Boat Harbour
Paul Selwood © Paul Selwood

Alternative Name/s

Bleeker's Devilfish, Blue-tipped Long-fin

Identification

The Eastern Blue Devil can be recognised by its banded pattern and yellow pectoral and caudal fins. The pelvic fins and posterior dorsal and anal fins are elongate. When spread these fins overlap, making the fish appear larger.

Size range

It grows to 40 cm in length.

Distribution

This species is endemic to Australia. It occurs in coastal waters from southern Queensland to southern New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums.  Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Paraplesiops bleekeri

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Eastern Blue Devil specimens in the Australian Museums.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It is sometimes seen by divers in caves and under ledges. In estuaries it is infrequently seen in water as shallow as 3 m, but is more commonly seen in coastal waters down to about 30 m depth.

Conservation Status

The Eastern Blue Devil is protected under New South Wales Fisheries Laws. It may not be speared or collected by any means, or possessed without a permit.

Classification

Species:
bleekeri
Genus:
Paraplesiops
Family:
Plesiopidae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
  2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.

 


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags fishes, ichthyology, Eastern Blue Devil, Paraplesiops bleekeri, Plesiopidae, secretive, Bleeker's Devilfish, Blue-tipped Long-fin, stripes or bands, yellow pectoral fins, 30 cm - 1 m, caves, ledges, estuaries, coastal water, protected species,