ANIMAL SPECIES:Fortescue, Centropogon australis (White, 1790)
The Fortescue has a brown to white body with dark brown to black bars. It has two large spines on either side of the head that can be projected sideways when the fish is disturbed. The first dorsal fin has 16 strong spines that are capable of inflicting a very painful sting.
Identification
The Fortescue has a brown to white body with dark brown to black bars. It has two large spines on either side of the head that can be projected sideways when the fish is disturbed.
Size range
The species grows to 14 cm in length.Distribution
The Fortescue is endemic to Australia. It occurs in temperate marine waters from southern Queensland to eastern Victoria.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Fortescue specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
It lives in estuaries and bays to a depth of 30 m.
Behaviour and adaptations
Other behaviours and adaptations
Divers often see Fortescues, sometimes in large numbers, resting motionless on the bottom.
Living with us
Economic/social impacts
The first dorsal fin has 16 strong spines that are capable of inflicting a very painful sting.
Classification
- Species:
- australis
- Genus:
- Centropogon
- Family:
- Scorpaenidae
- Order:
- Scorpaeniformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
- Poss, S.G. 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.
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A Fortescue at Shiprock, Port Hacking View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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