ANIMAL SPECIES:Dragonet, Bovichtus angustifrons (Regan, 1913)
The Dragonet is a small, temperate water fish that has strong spines at the rear of the head.
Alternative Name/s
Marblefish, ThornfishIdentification
The Dragonet 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 Dragonet grows to 30 cm in length.Distribution
The species is endemic to Australia, occurring from southern New South Wales to the central coast of South Australia and throughout coastal Tasmania.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Dragonet specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
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
- Order:
- Perciformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Gomon, M.F., Bray, D. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 2008. The Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Reed New Holland. Pp. 928.
- 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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Dragonet, Bovichtus angustifrons View full size
Duncan Giblin
© Duncan Giblin
Head of a Dragonet View full size
Duncan Giblin
© Duncan Giblin
Dragonet on sponge View full size
Dave Harasti
© Dave Harasti
Dragonet at Edithburgh Jetty View full size
Dave Harasti
© Dave Harasti
A Dragonet caught at Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary View full size
D. Taylor
© D. Taylor
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