Southern Blue Devil, Paraplesiops meleagris (Peters, 1869)
Blue Devilfish, Bluedevil, Western Blue Devil
Click to enlarge image
© Erik Schlögl
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Parapelsiops
- Species
- meleagris
- Subfamily
- Plesiopinae
- Family
- Plesiopidae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- It grows to about 35 cm.
Introduction
The Southern Blue Devil is a cave dwelling fish, found along the southern Australian coastline.
Identification
The Southern Blue Devil can be recognised by the bright blue spots on its dark blue/brown body, and large anal and pelvic fins.
Habitat
These fish prefers deep cave systems and ledges, which may be inhabited by several individuals ranging from small juveniles to mature adults. They can be found in depths of 3 m to over 40 m.
Distribution
The species occurs along the southern Australian coastline, from eastern Victoria to the Houtman Abrolhos Islands in 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.
Feeding and diet
The species feeds on fishes and crustaceans.
Breeding behaviours
Members of the genus Paraplesiops lay eggs onto the substrate. These are guarded by the male until hatching.
Conservation status
The species is not protected.
References
- Gomon, M.F., Bray, D. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 2008. The Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Reed New Holland. Pp. 928.
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
