Red Velvetfish, Gnathanacanthus goetzeei (Bleeker, 1855)
Click to enlarge image
© David Muirhead
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Gnathanacanthus
- Species
- goetzeei
- Family
- Gnathanacanthidae
- Order
- Scorpaeniformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- It grows to 30 cm in length.
Introduction
The Red Velvetfish has a compressed body that is covered with low papillae that give the skin a velvety texture. It has a deeply divided dorsal fin. The spines of the first dorsal are poisonous. The species can be brown, red, or yellowish. Juveniles are translucent with red lines and spots.
Identification
The Red Velvetfish has a compressed body that is covered with low papillae that give the skin a velvety texture. It has a deeply divided dorsal fin. The spines of the first dorsal are poisonous.
The species can be brown, red, or yellowish. Juveniles are translucent with red lines and spots.
The Red Velvetfish is the only species in the family Gnathanacanthidae.
Distribution
It is endemic to Australia, occurring from southern Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia to south-western Western Australia.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Other behaviours and adaptations
The Red Velvetfish is a nocturnal species that is rarely seen during the day, but may be relatively common in some areas.
References
- Gomon, M.F. 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.
