Australian Mado, Atypichthys strigatus (Günther, 1860)

Scientific name: Atypichthys strigatus
Similar species:
The Australian Mado looks very similar to the New Zealand Mado but differs in colouration and fin ray counts.
Australian Mado Click to enlarge image
An Australian Mado at a depth of 22 m, off Macquarie Light, Sydney, New South Wales, February 2000. Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Atypichthys
    Species
    strigatus
    Family
    Kyphosidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 25 cm in length.

Introduction

The Australian Mado is a schooling species that is particularly common on coastal reefs in southern New South Wales. It is also commonly found under jetties in harbors and large estuaries.

Identification

The Australian Mado has a silver body with dark brown to black stripes, and yellow fins. It has large eyes, a small mouth and a forked tail.

Habitat

It is found on coastal and estuarine reefs and is one of the most common species in New South Wales.

Distribution

The species is recorded from southern Queensland to eastern Tasmania.

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

Feeding and diet

The species is omnivorous.

Further reading

  1. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life; the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
  2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 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.
  4. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  5. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  6. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.