ANIMAL SPECIES:Thornfish, Bovichtus angustifrons (Regan, 1913)
The Thornfish has a moderately elongate body and large pectoral fins. Its head is triangular when viewed from above. There is a strong spine projecting from upper margin of the operculum.
Alternative Names/s
The species has also been called Marblefish and Dragonet.Identification
The Thornfish has a moderately elongate body and large pectoral fins. Its head is triangular when viewed from above. There is a strong spine projecting from upper margin of the operculum.
The species is variably coloured from blue-grey to light brown. It has red to brown mottling on the sides. The fins have red and yellow blotches.
Size range
The Thornfish grows to 30 cm in length.Distribution
The Thornfish is endemic to Australia. It occurs from southern New South Wales to the central coast of South Australia and throughout coastal Tasmania.
Habitat
It is found in a range of habitats including rocky reefs, tide pools and wharf pilings in temperate marine waters.
Classification
- Species:
- angustifrons
- Genus:
- Bovichtus
- Family:
- Bovichtidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Glover, C.J.M. 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 Thornfish caught at Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary View full size
D. Taylor
© D. Taylor
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