Eastern Hulafish, Trachinops taeniatus Günther, 1861

Scientific name: Trachinops taeniatus
Eastern Hulafish Click to enlarge image
An Eastern Hulafish at Fly Point, Port Stephens, New South Wales, 17 November 2012. Image: Matt Dowse
© Matt Dowse

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Trachinops
    Species
    taeniatus
    Family
    Plesiopidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 10 cm in length.

Introduction

The Eastern Hulafish's name describes its exaggerated swimming movements. It is common in New South Wales.

Identification

The Eastern Hulafish has an elongate body and distinctive colour pattern. The caudal fin of young fish is rounded, but the centre rays become longer in adults. The common name comes from the Eastern Hulafish's exaggerated swimming movements.

Eastern Hulafish
An Eastern Hulafish at a depth of 8 m, Fly Point Marine Reserve, Nelson Bay, New South Wales, December 2003. Image: David and Leanne Atkinson
© David and Leanne Atkinson

Habitat

It is commonly observed schooling on rocky reefs.

Distribution

The Eastern Hulafish occurs from southern Queensland to eastern Victoria. It is common in New South Wales.

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

Feeding and diet

It feeds on zooplankton.

References

  1. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  2. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.