Sydney Harbour has a very rich fish fauna. Nearly 600 species live in it, enter it, or are known from historic records.


Number of species (August 2018) = 596

This figure can be put into perspective when compared with 540 species recorded from the Mediterranean Sea (Helfman, Collette & Facey (2009) and 276 from UK coastal waters to a depth of 200 m (Crimmen pers.comm.).

The following list of fishes has mostly been extracted from the Australian Museum Ichthyology Database. It represents species for which the Australian Museum Fish Collection holds a specimen. It is not a definitive list but does cover the majority of species currently known to live in (or have swum into) the harbour.

Eighty two species of fishes were originally described from in and around Sydney. Of these, 49 are still considered valid species, the remainder are treated as junior synonyms. Twenty six of the 49 valid species are endemic to Australian waters. Only a single species, the Sydney Scorpionfish, is currently known only from inside Sydney Harbour.

As the fish fauna of Sydney Harbour continues to be investigated, additional species that represent new distributional records and new species will be added to this list. The description of the Sydney Scorpionfish by Motomura in 2004 highlights the fact that there is still much to learn about Sydney's wonderful harbour.

References:

  1. Helfman, G.S, Collette, B.B., Facey, D.E. and B.W. Bowen. 2009. The diversity of fishes: biology, evolution and ecology. 2nd edn. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester. Pp. 720.
  2. Stead, D.G., 1963. Sharks and rays of Australian seas. Angus and Robertson, Sydney. Pp. 211.

Fishes of Sydney Harbour
Family Family Common Name Species Species Common Name Notes
Acanthuridae Surgeonfishes Acanthurus dussumieri Eyestripe Surgeonfish close to southen limit
Acanthuridae Acanthurus olivaceus Orangebloch Surgeonfish close to southen limit
Acanthuridae Acanthurus triostegus Convict Surgeonfish close to southen limit
Acanthuridae Acanthurus xanthopterus Yellowmask Surgeonfish
Acanthuridae Paracanthurus hepatus Blue Tang not included in species count
Acanthuridae Prionurus maculatus Spotted Sawtail
Acanthuridae Prionurus microlepidotus Australian Sawtail
Ambassidae Glassfishes Ambassis jacksoniensis Port Jackson glassfish
Ambassidae Ambassis marianus Estuary Glassfish
Anguillidae Freshwater Eels Anguilla australis Shortfin Eel
Anguillidae Anguilla reinhardtii Longfinned Eel
Antennariidae Anglerfishes Antennarius coccineus Freckled Anglerfish southern limit
Antennariidae Antennarius commerson Giant Anglerfish close to southen limit
Antennariidae Antennarius hispidus Shaggy Anglerfish southern limit
Antennariidae Antennarius pictus Painted Anglerfish
Antennariidae Antennarius striatus Striate Anglerfish
Antennariidae Histrio histrio Sargassum Anglerfish close to southen limit
Antennariidae Porophryne erythrodactylus Red-fingered Anglerfish
Aploactinidae Velvetfishes Aploactisoma milesii Southern Velvetfish
Aploactinidae Cocotropus microps Patchwork Velvetfish
Aploactinidae Paraploactis trachyderma Bearded Velvetfish
Aplodactylidae Seacarps Aplodactylus lophodon Rock Cale
Apogonidae Cardinalfishes Apogon angustatus Broadstripe Cardinalfish close to southen limit
Apogonidae Ostorhinchus aureus Ringtail Cardinalfish southern limit
Apogonidae Ostorhinchus capricornis Capricorn Cardinalfish
Apogonidae Apogon crassiceps Ruby Cardinalfish southern limit
Apogonidae Apogon cyanosoma Orangeline Cardinalfish close to southen limit
Apogonidae Apogon doederleini Fourline Cardinalfish close to southen limit
Apogonidae Apogon fraenatus Spinyeye Cardinalfish close to southen limit
Apogonidae Apogon hartzfeldi Silverline Cardinalfish close to southen limit
Apogonidae Ostorhinchus limenus Sydney Cardinalfish
Apogonidae Apogon nigripinnis Two-eye Cardinalfish
Apogonidae Apogon semiornatus Halfband Cardinalfish close to southen limit
Apogonidae Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus Five-lined Cardinalfish close to southen limit
Apogonidae Foa yamba Yamba Cardinalfish photo record
Apogonidae Ostorhinchus fasciatus Striped Cardinalfish
Apogonidae Pseudamia gelatinosa Gelatinous Cardinalfish close to southen limit
Apogonidae Siphamia cephalotes Wood's Siphonfish
Apogonidae Siphamia roseigaster Pinkbreast Siphonfish
Apogonidae Vincentia novaehollandiae Eastern Gobbleguts
Ariidae Fork-tailed Catfishes Netuma thalassina Giant Sea Catfish
Arripidae Australian Salmons Arripis georgianus Australian Herring
Arripidae Arripis trutta Eastern Australian Salmon
Atherinidae Hardyheads Atherinason hepsetoides Smallscale Hardyhead
Atherinidae Atherinomorus vaigiensis Ogilby's Hardyhead
Atherinidae Atherinosoma microstoma Smallmouth Hardyhead
Aulopidae Sergeant Bakers Hime purpurissatus Sergeant Baker
Balistidae Triggerfishes Sufflamen chrysopterum Eye-stripe Triggerfish close to southen limit
Balistidae Sufflamen fraenatum Bridled Triggerfish close to southen limit
Batrachoididae Frogfishes Batrachomoeus dubius Eastern Frogfish close to southen limit
Belonidae Longtoms Ablennes hians Barred Longtom
Belonidae Strongylura leiura Slender Longtom
Belonidae Tylosurus gavialoides Stout Longtom
Berycidae Alfonsinos Centroberyx affinis Redfish (Nannygai)
Blenniidae Blennies Aspidontus taeniatus False Cleanerfish
Blenniidae Istiblennius meleagris Peacock Rockskipper
Blenniidae Omobranchus anolius Oyster Blenny
Blenniidae Omobranchus rotundiceps Rotund Blenny
Blenniidae Parablennius intermedius Horned Blenny
Blenniidae Parablennius tasmanianus Tasmanian Blenny
Blenniidae Petroscirtes fallax Yellow Sabretooth Blenny southern limit
Blenniidae Petroscirtes lupus Brown Sabretooth Blenny
Blenniidae Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos Bluestriped Fangblenny close to southen limit
Blenniidae Plagiotremus tapeinosoma Piano Fangblenny
Blenniidae Xiphasia setifer Hairtail Blenny
Bothidae Lefteye Flounders Arnoglossus fisoni Fisons Flounder
Bothidae Crossorhombus howensis Lord Howe Flounder Australian Museum specimen
Bothidae Engyprosopon grandisquama Spot-tail wide-eye Flounder
Bothidae Lophonectes gallus Crested Flounder
Brachaeluridae Blind Sharks Brachaelurus waddi Blindshark
Bramidae Pomfrets Pteraclis velifera Southern Fanfish
Bythitidae Bortulas Brosmophyciops pautzkei Slimy Cuskeel tropical species - one southern record
Bythitidae Dermatopsis macrodon Eastern Yellow Blindfish
Bythitidae Monothrix polylepis Littoral Cusk
Callanthiidae Splendid Perches Callanthias allporti Rosy Perch
Callionymidae Dragonets Eocallionymus papilio Painted Stinkfish
Callionymidae Foetorepus calauropomus Common Stinkfish
Callionymidae Orbonymus rameus Whitespotted Dragonet
Callionymidae Repomucenus calcaratus Spotted Dragonet
Callionymidae Repomucenus limiceps Rough-head Dragonet
Callorhynchidae Elephantfishes Callorhinchus milii Elephantfish young or females laying egg cases in Spring
Carangidae Trevallies Alectis ciliaris Pennantfish
Carangidae Carangoides orthogrammus Thicklip Trevally
Carangidae Caranx ignobilis Giant Trevally
Carangidae Caranx sexfasciatus Bigeye Trevally
Carangidae Decapterus muroadsi Temperate Scad
Carangidae Megalaspis cordyla Finny Scad
Carangidae Naucrates ductor Pilotfish close to southen limit
Carangidae Pseudocaranx georgianus Araara was Silver Trevally, P. dentex
Carangidae Seriola dumerili Amberjack
Carangidae Seriola hippos Samson fish
Carangidae Seriola lalandi Yellowtail Kingfish Carangidae
Carangidae Trachinotus baillonii Smallspot Dart close to southen limit
Carangidae Trachinotus blochii Snubnose Dart close to southen limit
Carangidae Trachurus declivis Common Jack Mackerel Carangidae
Carangidae Trachurus novaezelandiae Yellowtail Scad
Carangidae Uraspis secunda Cottonmouth Trevally
Carapidae Pearlfishes Echiodon rendahli Messmate Fish
Carcharhinidae Whaler Sharks Carcharhinus brachyurus Bronze Whaler
Carcharhinidae Carcharhinus falciformis Silky Shark
Carcharhinidae Carcharhinus leucas Bull Shark Carcharhinidae
Carcharhinidae Carcharhinus obscurus Dusky Shark
Carcharhinidae Galeocerdo cuvier Tiger Shark close to southen limit
Centrolophidae Butterfishes Seriolella brama Blue Warehou
Cepolidae Bandfishes Cepola australis Australian Bandfish
Chaetodontidae Butterflyfishes Chaetodon auriga Threadfin Butterflyfish close to southen limit
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon flavirostris Dusky Butterflyfish
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon guentheri GĂĽnther's Butterflyfish
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon kleinii Klein's Butterflyfish close to southen limit
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon lunula Racoon Butterflyfish
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon melannotus Blackback Butterflyfish close to southen limit
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon ulietensis Doublesaddle Butterflyfish close to southen limit
Chaetodontidae Chelmon rostratus Beaked Coralfish
Chaetodontidae Chelmonops truncatus Eastern Talma
Chaetodontidae Heniochus acuminatus Longfin Bannerfish close to southen limit
Chaetodontidae Heniochus diphreutes Schooling Bannerfish close to southen limit
Chaetodontidae Parachaetodon ocellatus Ocellate Butterflyfish close to southen limit
Chanidae Milkfish Chanos chanos Milkfish close to southen limit
Cheilodactylidae Morwongs Cheilodactylus fuscus Red Morwong
Cheilodactylidae Cheilodactylus nigripes Magpie Perch Northern limit
Cheilodactylidae Cheilodactylus spectabilis Banded Morwong
Cheilodactylidae Cheilodactylus vestitus Crested Morwong
Cheilodactylidae Dactylophora nigricans Dusky Morwong
Cheilodactylidae Nemadactylus douglasii Grey Morwong
Cheilodactylidae Nemadactylus macropterus Jackass Morwong
Chironemidae Kelpfishes Chironemus marmoratus Kelpfish
Cirrhitidae Hawkfishes Cirrhitichthys aprinus Blotched Hawkfish
Cirrhitidae Cirrhitichthys falco Dwarf Hawkfish close to southen limit
Cirrhitidae Cyprinocirrhites polyactis Lyre-tail Hawkfish
Clinidae Weedfishes Cristiceps argyropleura Silverside Weedfish
Clinidae Cristiceps aurantiacus Golden Weedfish
Clinidae Cristiceps australis Crested Weedfish
Clinidae Heteroclinus heptaeolus Ogilby's weedfish
Clinidae Heteroclinus nasutus Largenose Weedfish
Clinidae Heteroclinus roseus Rosy Weedfish
Clinidae Heteroclinus whiteleggii Whitelegg's Weedfish
Clupeidae Herrings Etrumeus teres Maray
Clupeidae Herklotsichthys castelnaui Southern Sprat
Clupeidae Herklotsichthys koningsbergeri Largespotted Herring
Clupeidae Hyperlophus translucidus Glassy Sprat
Clupeidae Hyperlophus vittatus Sandy Sprat
Clupeidae Sardinops sagax Australian Pilchard
Clupeidae Spratelloides robustus Blue Sprat
Congridae Conger Eels Conger verreauxi Southern Conger
Congridae Conger wilsoni Eastern Conger
Congridae Gnathophis longicaudus Little Conger
Coryphaenidae Dolphinfishes, Mahi Mahi Coryphaena hippurus Mahi Mahi
Creediidae Sandburrowers Creedia haswelli Slender Sandburrower
Creediidae Creedia partimsquamigera Half-scale Sandburrower
Cynoglossidae Tongue Soles Paraplagusia bilineata Lemon Tongue-sole
Cyprinidae Carps Carassius auratus Goldfish Primarily freshwater
Dactylopteridae Flying Gurnards Dactyloptena orientalis Purple Flying Gurnard
Dasyatidae Stingrays Dasyatis brevicaudata Smooth Stingray
Dasyatidae Dasyatis fluviorum Estuary Stingray southen limit
Dasyatidae Neotrygon kuhlii Bluespotted Maskray southern limit
Dinolestidae Longfin Pikes Dinolestes lewini Long-finned Pike
Diodontidae Porcupinefishes Dicotylichthys punctulatus Three-bar Porcupinefish
Diodontidae Diodon holocanthus Freckled Porcupinefish
Diodontidae Diodon hystrix Black-spotted Porcupinefish
Echeneidae Suckerfishes Echeneis naucrates Slender Suckerfish close to southern limit
Echeneidae Remora remora Remora
Eleotridae Gobiomorphus australis Striped Gudgeon freshwater species
Eleotridae Gobiomorphus coxii Cox's Gudgeon freshwater species
Eleotridae Hypseleotris compressa Empire Gudgeon freshwater species
Eleotridae Hypseleotris galii Firetailed Gudgeon freshwater species
Eleotridae Philypnodon grandiceps Flathead Gudgeon freshwater species
Eleotridae Philypnodon macrostomus Dwarf Flathead Gudgeon freshwater species
Elopidae Ladyfishes Elops hawaiensis Giant Herring southern limit
Engraulididae Anchovies Engraulis australis Australian anchovy
Enoplosidae Old Wife Enoplosus armatus Old Wife
Ephippididae Batfishes Platax teira Teira Batfish close to southen limit
Exocoetidae Flyingfishes Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus Tallfin Flyingfish close to southen limit
Exocoetidae Cypselurus hexazona Darkbar Flyingfish
Exocoetidae Hirundichthys oxycephalus Bony Flyingfish southern limit
Exocoetidae Hirundichthys speculiger Mirrorwing Flyingfish southern limit
Fistulariidae Flutemouths Fistularia commersonii Smooth Flutemouth
Fistulariidae Fistularia petimba Rough Flutemouth
Galaxiidae Galaxids Galaxias maculatus Common Galaxias primarily freshwater
Gempylidae Gemfishes Thyrsites atun Barracouta
Gerreidae Silverbiddies Gerres subfasciatus Common Silverbiddy
Glaucosomidae Pearl Perches Glaucosoma scapulare Pearl Perch
Gobiesocidae Clingfishes Alabes dorsalis Common Shore-eel
Gobiesocidae Aspasmogaster costata Pink Clingfish
Gobiesocidae Cochleoceps orientalis Eastern Cleaner-clingfish
Gobiidae Gobies Acanthogobius flavimanus Yellowfin Goby Introduced species
Gobiidae Acentrogobius pflaumii Striped Sandgoby Introduced species
Gobiidae Afurcagobius tamarensis Tamar Goby
Gobiidae Amblygobius phalaena Whitebarred Goby
Gobiidae Arenigobius bifrenatus Bridled Goby
Gobiidae Arenigobius frenatus Half-bridled Goby
Gobiidae Asterropteryx semipunctatus Starry Goby
Gobiidae Bathygobius cocosensis Cocos Frillgoby
Gobiidae Bathygobius krefftii Krefft's Frillgoby
Gobiidae Callogobius depressus Flathead Goby
Gobiidae Callogobius mucosus Sculptured Goby
Gobiidae Cryptocentroides gobioides Crested Oyster Goby
Gobiidae Eviota albolineata Whitelined Eviota southern limit
Gobiidae Eviota sparsa Sparse Eviota southern limit
Gobiidae Favonigobius exquisitus Exquisite Sandgoby
Gobiidae Favonigobius lentiginosus Eastern Longfin-goby F. lateralis is a southern sp.
Gobiidae Gnatholepis anjerensis Shoulder-spot Sandgoby southern limit
Gobiidae Gobiopterus semivestitus Glassgoby
Gobiidae Istigobius hoesei Hoese's Sandgoby
Gobiidae Mugilogobius platynotus Flat-backed Mangrove-goby
Gobiidae Mugilogobius stigmaticus Black-spot Mangrove-goby close to southern limit
Gobiidae Nesogobius pulchellus Sailfin Goby northern limit
Gobiidae Pandaka lidwilli Lidwill's Dwarfgoby
Gobiidae Pleurosicya bilobata Seagrass Ghost-goby southern limit
Gobiidae Pleurosicya mossambica Many-host Ghostgoby southern limit
Gobiidae Priolepis cincta Girdled Reef-goby southern limit
Gobiidae Priolepis nuchifasciata Threadfin Reef-goby southern limit
Gobiidae Pseudogobius sp 9 Blue-spot Goby
Gobiidae Redigobius macrostoma Largemouth Goby
Gobiidae Tridentiger trigonocephalus Trident Goby Introduced from Japan, northern limit
Gobiidae Trimma necopina Australian Pygmygoby southern limit
Gobiidae Valenciennea helsdingenii Black-lined Sleeper Goby southern limit
Gobiidae Valenciennea immaculata Immaculate Glidergoby southern limit
Gonorynchidae Beaked Salmons Gonorynchus greyi Beaked Salmon
Haemulidae Sweetlips Diagramma pictum Painted Sweetlips
Haemulidae Plectorhinchus flavomaculatus Goldspotted Sweetlips
Haemulidae Plectorhinchus gibbosus Brown Sweetlips southern limit
Hemiramphidae Garfishes Arrhamphus sclerolepis Snubnose Garfish southern limit
Hemiramphidae Hemiramphus robustus Three-by-two Garfish
Hemiramphidae Hyporhamphus australis Eastern Sea Garfish
Hemiramphidae Hyporhamphus regularis River Garfish
Hemiscylliidae Longtail Carpet Sharks Hemiscyllium ocellatum Epaulette Shark southern limit
Heterodontidae Horn Sharks Heterodontus galeatus Crested Horn Shark
Heterodontidae Heterodontus portusjacksoni Port Jackson Shark
Hexanchidae Sevengill Sharks Notorynchus cepedianus Broadnosed Sevengill Shark
Holocentridae Squirrelfishes Myripristis berndti Bigscale Soldierfish southern limit
Holocentridae Ostichthys japonicus Giant Squirrelfish
Hypnidae Coffin Rays Hypnos monopterygius Coffin Ray
Istiophoridae Billishes Istiophorus sp. Probably I.platypterus Sailfish
Istiophoridae Makaira or Istiompax sp. species uncertain Marlin
Kyphosidae Drummers Atypichthys strigatus Australian Mado
Kyphosidae Girella cyanea Bluefish close to southern limit
Kyphosidae Girella elevata Rock Blackfish
Kyphosidae Girella tricuspidata Luderick
Kyphosidae Girella zebra Zebrafish
Kyphosidae Kyphosus sydneyanus Silver Drummer
Kyphosidae Microcanthus strigatus Stripey
Kyphosidae Scorpis lineolata Silver Sweep
Kyphosidae Scorpis violacea Violet Sweep
Labridae Wrasses Achoerodus viridis Eastern Blue Groper
Labridae Anampses caeruleopunctatus Diamond Wrasse southern limit
Labridae Anampses elegans Elegant Wrasse
Labridae Anampses geographicus Scribbled Wrasse southern limit
Labridae Austrolabrus maculatus Black-spotted Wrasse
Labridae Bodianus axillaris Axilspot Hogfish
Labridae Bodianus flavipinnis Yellowfin Pigfish
Labridae Bodianus frenchii Foxfish
Labridae Bodianus perditio Goldspot Pigfish southern limit
Labridae Bodianus unimaculatus Pigfish
Labridae Choerodon cephalotes Purple Tuskfish southern limit
Labridae Cirrhilabrus punctatus Fine-spotted Wrasse
Labridae Coris aurilineata Goldlined Wrasse
Labridae Coris dorsomacula Pink-lined Wrasse
Labridae Coris picta Comb Wrasse
Labridae Coris sandeyeri Eastern King Wrasse
Labridae Eupetrichthys angustipes Snakeskin Wrasse
Labridae (Odacinae) Haletta semifasciata Blue Weed-whiting northern limit
Labridae Halichoeres hartzfeldi Orangeline Wrasse
Labridae Halichoeres hortulanus Checkerboard Wrasse southen limit
Labridae Halichoeres marginatus Dusky Wrasse southern limit
Labridae Halichoeres nebulosus Nebulous Wrasse southern limit
Labridae Halichoeres prosopeion Twotone Wrasse southern limit
Labridae Hemigymnus melapterus Thicklip Wrasse southern limit
Labridae (Odacinae) Heteroscarus acroptilus Rainbow Cale
Labridae Iniistius jacksonensis Keel-head Razorfish southern limit
Labridae Labroides dimidiatus Common Cleanerfish
Labridae Leptojulis cyanopleura Shoulderspot Wrasse southern limit
Labridae Macropharyngodon negrosensis Black Leopard-Wrasse southern limit
Labridae (Odacinae) Neoodax balteatus Little Weed Whiting
Labridae Notolabrus fucicola Purple Wrasse northern limit
Labridae Notolabrus gymnogenis Crimsonband Wrasse
Labridae (Odacinae) Odax cyanomelas Herring Cale
Labridae Ophthalmolepis lineolatus Maori Wrasse
Labridae Oxycheilinus bimaculatus Twospot Maori Wrasse
Labridae Oxycheilinus nigromarginatus Blackmargin Maori Wrasse southern limit
Labridae Pictilabrus laticlavius Senator Wrasse
Labridae Pseudojuloides elongatus Long Green Wrasse southern limit
Labridae Pseudolabrus guentheri Gunther's wrasse
Labridae Pseudolabrus luculentus Luculentus Wrasse
Labridae Pteragogus enneacanthus Cockerel Wrasse southern limit
Labridae Stethojulis interrupta Brokenline Wrasse
Labridae Stethojulis strigiventer Silverstreak Wrasse southern limit
Labridae Suezichthys arquatus Painted Rainbow Wrasse
Labridae Suezichthys devisi Australian Rainbow Wrasse
Labridae Suezichthys gracilis Slender Rainbow Wrasse southern limit
Labridae Thalassoma amblycephalum Bluntheaded Wrasse southern limit
Labridae Thalassoma lunare Moon Wrasse
Lamnidae Mackerel sharks Carcharodon carcharias White Shark One only from Watsons Bay (Stead, 1963)
Lamnidae Isurus oxyrinchus Shortfin Mako
Latridae Trumpeters Latridopsis forsteri Bastard Trumpeter
Leiognathidae Ponyfishes Photoplagios moretoniensis Zig-zag Ponyfish southern limit
Leptoscopidae Sandfishes Lesueurina platycephala Flathead Sandfish
Lethrinidae Emperors Lethrinus genivittatus Threadfin Emperor
Lethrinidae Lethrinus miniatus Redthroat Emperor southern limit
Lethrinidae Lethrinus nebulosus Spangled emperor close to southern limit
Limnichthyidae Sanddivers Limnichthys fasciatus Tommyfish
Lobotidae Tripletails Lobotes surinamensis Tripletail southern limit
Lophiidae Goosefishes Lophiomus setigerus Broadhead Goosefish
Lutjanidae Coral Snappers, Fusiliers Lutjanus adetii Hussar southern limit
Lutjanidae Lutjanus argentimaculatus Mangrove Jack southern limit
Lutjanidae Lutjanus fulviflamma Blackspot Snapper Juvenile well south of normal range
Lutjanidae Lutjanus fulvus Blacktail Snapper southern limit
Lutjanidae Lutjanus kasmira Bluestripe Seaperch southern limit
Lutjanidae Lutjanus quinquelineatus Five-line Snapper southern limit
Lutjanidae Lutjanus russellii Moses' Snapper close to southern limit
Lutjanidae Paracaesio xanthura False Fusilier
Lutjanidae Pterocaesio chrysozona Yellowband Fusilier southern limit
Lutjanidae Pterocaesio digramma Doubleline Fusilier southern limit
Macrorhamphosidae Bellowsfishes Macroramphosus gracilis Little Bellowsfish
Macrorhamphosidae Macroramphosus scolopax Common Bellowsfish
Megalopidae Oxeye Herrings Megalops cyprinoides Oxeye Herring
Microdesmidae Dartfishes Parioglossus marginalis Blackmargin Dartfish very restricted distribution
Microdesmidae Ptereleotris hanae Thread-tail Dartgoby southern limit
Microdesmidae Ptereleotris microlepis Greeneye Dartgoby southern limit
Mobulidae Manta Rays Manta alfredi Alfred Manta
Molidae Sunfishes Mola mola Ocean Sunfish
Monacanthidae Leatherjackets Acanthaluteres spilomelanurus Bridled Leatherjacket close to northern limit
Monacanthidae Acanthaluteres vittiger Toothbrush Leatherjacket
Monacanthidae Aluterus monoceros Unicorn Leatherjacket southern limit
Monacanthidae Aluterus scripta Scribbled Leatherjacket southern limit
Monacanthidae Brachaluteres jacksonianus Southern Pygmy Leatherjacket
Monacanthidae Chaetodermis penicilligera Tasselled Leatherjacket southern limit
Monacanthidae Eubalichthys mosaicus Mosaic Leatherjacket
Monacanthidae Meuschenia flavolineata Yellowstriped Leatherjacket
Monacanthidae Meuschenia freycineti Six-spine Leatherjacket
Monacanthidae Meuschenia scaber Velvet Leatherjacket
Monacanthidae Meuschenia trachylepis Yellow-finned Leatherjacket
Monacanthidae Meuschenia venusta Stars and Stripes Leatherjacket northern limit
Monacanthidae Monacanthus chinensis Fan-bellied Leatherjacket
Monacanthidae Nelusetta ayraud Ocean Jacket
Monacanthidae Paraluteres prionurus Mimic Leatherjacket
Monacanthidae Paramonacanthus filicauda Threadfin Leatherjacket
Monacanthidae Paramonacanthus lowei Lowe's Leatherjacket Often referred to as P. otisensis
Monacanthidae Pervagor janthinosoma Gillblotch Leatherjacket southern limit
Monacanthidae Pervagor melanocephalus Blackhead Leatherjacket southern limit
Monacanthidae Scobinichthys granulatus Rough Leatherjacket
Monocentrididae Pineapplefishes Cleidopus gloriamaris Pineapplefish
Monodactylidae Pomfrets Monodactylus argenteus Diamondfish
Monodactylidae Schuettea scalaripinnis Eastern Pomfred
Moridae Morid Cods Lotella rhacina Beardie
Moridae Pseudophycis barbata Bearded Rock Cod
Moridae Pseudophycis breviuscula Bastard Red Cod
Mugilidae Mullets Liza argentea Goldspot Mullet
Mugilidae Mugil cephalus Sea Mullet
Mugilidae Myxus elongatus Sand Mullet
Mugilidae Valamugil georgii Fantail Mullet
Mullidae Goatfishes Parupeneus barberinoides Bicolour Goatfish southern limit
Mullidae Parupeneus barberinus Dash-dot Goatfish southern limit
Mullidae Parupeneus ciliatus Diamondscale Goatfish southern limit
Mullidae Parupeneus spilurus Blacksaddle Goatfish
Mullidae Upeneichthys lineatus Bluestriped Goatfish
Mullidae Upeneus australiae Australian Goatfish
Muraenesocidae Pike Eels Muraenesox bagio Common Pike Eel
Muraenidae Moray Eels Gymnothorax cribroris Sieve-patterned Moray southern limit
Muraenidae Gymnothorax kidako Kidako Moray From Parsley Bay. Id: E. Böhlke, 1999.
Muraenidae Gymnothorax minor Lesser Moray
Muraenidae Gymnothorax prasinus Green Moray
Muraenidae Gymnothorax prionodon Saw-tooth Moray
Myliobatididae Eagle Rays Myliobatis australis Southern Eagle Ray
Narcinidae Numbfishes Narcine tasmaniensis Tasmanian numbfish
Nemipteridae Threadfin Breams Nemipterus theodorei Theodore's Threadfin-bream southern limit
Nemipteridae Pentapodus aureofasciatus Yellowstripe Threadfin Bream
Nemipteridae Pentapodus paradiseus Paradise Threadfin Bream southern limit
Nemipteridae Scolopsis bilineata Two-line Monocle Bream southern limit
Nemipteridae Scolopsis monogramma Rainbow Monocle-bream southern limit
Nomeidae Driftfishes Nomeus gronovii Bluebottle-fish
Nomeidae Psenes pellucidus Scissortail
Odontaspididae Sand Tiger Sharks Carcharias taurus Greynurse Shark
Ophichthidae Snake Eels Malvoliophis pinguis Halfband Snake Eel
Ophichthidae Ophisurus serpens Serpent Eel
Ophichthidae Scolecenchelys australis Shortfin Worm Eel Oftern referred to as Muraenichthys australis
Opistognathidae Jawfishes Opistognathus jacksoniensis Southern Smiler southern limit
Orectolobidae Wobbegongs Orectolobus halei Banded Carpet Shark
Orectolobidae Orectolobus maculatus Spotted Wobbegong
Ostraciidae Boxfishes Anoplocapros inermis Eastern Smooth Boxfish
Ostraciidae Lactoria cornuta Longhorn Cowfish
Ostraciidae Lactoria diaphana Roundbelly Cowfish
Ostraciidae Lactoria fornasini Thorny-back Cowfish
Ostraciidae Ostracion cubicus Yellow Boxfish
Ostraciidae Tetrosomus reipublicae Turretfish
Paralichthyidae Sand Flounders Pseudorhombus arsius Largetooth Flounder
Paralichthyidae Pseudorhombus jenynsii Smalltooth Flounder
Paralichthyidae Pseudorhombus tenuirastrum Slender Flounder
Pataecidae Red Indian Fish Pataecus fronto Red Indian Fish record based on video clip
Pegasidae Seamoths Eurypegasus draconis Little Dragonfish close to southern limit
Pegasidae Pegasus volitans Slender Seamoth
Pempheridae Bullseyes Pempheris affinis Black-tipped Bullseye
Pempheridae Pempheris compressa Small-scale Bullseye
Pempheridae Pempheris multiradiata Common Bullseye
Pentacerotidae Boarfishes Paristiopterus labiosus Giant Boarfish
Pentacerotidae Zanclistius elevatus Blackspot Boarfish
Percichthyidae Basses, Cods Macquaria colonorum Estuary Perch
Percophidae Duckbills Percophidae Duckbill larval specimen
Pinguipedidae Grubfishes Parapercis australis Southern Grubfish
Pinguipedidae Parapercis binivirgata Redbanded Grubfish
Pinguipedidae Parapercis nebulosa Pink-banded Grubfish southern limit
Pinguipedidae Parapercis ramsayi Spotted Grubfish
Pinguipedidae Parapercis stricticeps Whitestreak Grubfish
Platycephalidae Flatheads Ambiserrula jugosa Mud Flathead close to southern limit
Platycephalidae Platycephalus bassensis Sand Flathead
Platycephalidae Platycephalus caeruleopunctatus Eastern Blue-spotted Flathead
Platycephalidae Platycephalus endrachtensis Northern Sand Flathead
Platycephalidae Platycephalus fuscus Dusky Flathead
Platycephalidae Platycephalus longispinis Longspine Flathead
Platycephalidae Platycephalus marmoratus Marbled Flathead
Platycephalidae Platycephalus richardsoni Tiger Flathead
Platycephalidae Thysanophrys cirronasa Tasselsnout Flathead
Plesiopidae Blue Devils, Hulafishes Paraplesiops bleekeri Eastern Blue Devil
Plesiopidae Trachinops taeniatus Eastern Hulafish
Pleuronectidae Righteye Flounders Ammotretis rostratus Longsnout Flounder
Plotosidae Eeltail Catfishes Cnidoglanis macrocephalus Estuary Catfish
Plotosidae Euristhmus lepturus Longtail Catfish southern limit
Plotosidae Plotosus lineatus Striped Catfish close to southern limit
Plotosidae Tandanus tandanus Freshwater Catfish southern limit
Poeciliidae Livebearers Gambusia holbrooki Eastern Gambusia introduced freshwater species
Pomacanthidae Angelfishes Centropyge bispinosa Two-spine Angelfish
Pomacanthidae Centropyge flavicauda Whitetail Angelfish
Pomacanthidae Centropyge tibicen Keyhole Angelfish
Pomacanthidae Chaetodontoplus meredithi Queensland Yellowtail Angelfish
Pomacanthidae Genicanthus watanabei Watanabe's Angelfish
Pomacentridae Damselfishes Abudefduf bengalensis Narrow-Banded Sergeant Major
Pomacentridae Abudefduf sexfasciatus Scissortail Sergeant
Pomacentridae Abudefduf vaigiensis Indo-Pacific sergeant
Pomacentridae Chromis hypsilepis One-spot Puller
Pomacentridae Chromis nitida Yellowback Puller
Pomacentridae Chrysiptera brownriggii Surge Demoiselle southern limit
Pomacentridae Chrysiptera notialis Southern Demoiselle
Pomacentridae Chrysiptera starcki Starck's Demoiselle southern limit
Pomacentridae Chrysiptera tricincta Threeband Demoiselle southern limit
Pomacentridae Dascyllus trimaculatus Three-spot Dascyllus
Pomacentridae Mecaenichthys immaculatus Immaculate Damsel
Pomacentridae Neopomacentrus azysron Yellowtail Demoiselle
Pomacentridae Parma microlepis White-Ear
Pomacentridae Parma oligolepis Bigscale Scalyfin southern limit
Pomacentridae Parma unifasciata Girdled Scalyfin
Pomacentridae Pomacentrus australis Australian Damsel
Pomacentridae Pomacentrus coelestis Neon Damsel
Pomacentridae Pomacentrus wardi Ward's Damsel southern limit
Pomacentridae Pristotis obtusirostris Gulf Damsel southern limit
Pomacentridae Stegastes gascoynei Coral Sea Gregory
Pomatomidae Tailor Pomatomus saltatrix Tailor
Priacanthidae Bigeyes Priacanthus macracanthus Spotted Bigeye
Pristidae Sawfishes Pristis zijsron Green Sawfish
Pristiophoridae Sawsharks Pristiophorus cirratus Common Sawshark
Pseudomugilidae Blue-eyes Pseudomugil signifer Pacific Blue Eye
Rachycentridae Black Kingfishes Rachycentron canadum Black Kingfish close to southern limit
Rajidae Skates Dipturus australis Sydney Skate Often referred to as Raja australis
Regalecidae Oarfish Regalecus glesne Oarfish
Retropinnidae Southern Smelts Retropinna semoni Australian Smelt
Rhinobatidae Shovelnose Rays Aptychotrema rostrata Eastern Shovelnose Ray
Rhinobatidae Trygonorrhina fasciata Eastern Fiddler Ray
Rhynchobatidae Sharkfin Guitarfishes Rhynchobatus australiae Whitespotted Guitarfish Often referred to as
Rhynchobatus djiddensis Rhynchobatus djiddensis Rhynchobatus djiddensis Rhynchobatus djiddensis Rhynchobatus djiddensis
Scaridae Parrotfishes Calotomus spinidens Spinytooth Parrotfish tropical species
Scaridae Leptoscarus vaigiensis Blue-spotted Parrotfish southern limit
Scaridae Scarus ghobban Blue-barred Parrotfish southern limit
Scatophagidae Scats Scatophagus argus Spotted Scat southern limit
Scatophagidae Selenotoca multifasciata Striped Scat southern limit
Schindleriidae Infantfishes Schindleria praematura Premature Floater southern limit
Sciaenidae Croakers Argyrosomus japonicus Mulloway
Sciaenidae Atractoscion aequidens Teraglin close to southern limit
Scomberesocidae Saury Scomberesox saurus King Gar northern limit
Scombridae Mackerels Auxis rochei Bullet Tuna
Scombridae Auxis thazard Frigate Mackerel
Scombridae Cybiosarda elegans Leaping Bonito
Scombridae Euthynnus affinis Mackerel Tuna
Scombridae Katsuwonus pelamis Skipjack Tuna
Scombridae Sarda australis Australian Bonito
Scombridae Scomber australasicus Blue Mackerel
Scombridae Scomberomorus commerson Narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel
Scombridae Scomberomorus queenslandicus School Mackerel near southern limit
Scombridae Thunnus albacares Yellowfin Tuna
Scorpaenidae Scorpionfishes Ablabys taenianotus Cockatoo Waspfish
Scorpaenidae Dendrochirus brachypterus Dwarf Lionfish southern limit
Scorpaenidae Dendrochirus zebra Zebra Lionfish southern limit
Scorpaenidae Notesthes robusta Bullrout
Scorpaenidae Pterois antennata Ragged-finned Firefish southern limit
Scorpaenidae Pterois volitans Common Lionfish
Scorpaenidae Scorpaena jacksoniensis Red Rockcod
Scorpaenidae Scorpaena papillosa Southern Red Scorpionfish northern limit
Scorpaenidae Scorpaenodes evides Cheekspot Scorpionfish
Scorpaenidae Scorpaenodes scaber Pygmy Scorpionfish
Scorpaenidae Scorpaenopsis insperatus Sydney Scorpionfish Only known from Sydney Harbour - described in 2004 by Motomura
Scorpaenidae Scorpaenopsis neglecta Yellowfin Scorpionfish Photograph only. Id by H. Motomura, 2011.
Scorpaenidae Taenianotus triacanthus Leaf Scorpionfish southern limit
Scyliorhinidae Catsharks Asymbolus analis Grey Spotted Catshark
Sebastidae Sebastiscus marmoratus False Kelpfish In Australia known only from Sydney Harbour
Serranidae Rockcods, Seaperches Acanthistius ocellatus Eastern Wirrah
Serranidae Acanthistius paxtoni Orangelined Wirrah
Serranidae Caesioperca lepidoptera Butterfly Perch northern limit
Serranidae Caprodon longimanus Longfin Perch
Serranidae Diploprion bifasciatum Barred Soapfish close to southern limit
Serranidae Epinephelus cyanopodus Purple Rockcod southern limit
Serranidae Epinephelus daemelii Black Rockcod
Serranidae Epinephelus ergastularius Banded Rockcod
Serranidae Epinephelus undulatostriatus Maori Rockcod
Serranidae Hypoplectrodes annulatus Blackbanded Seaperch
Serranidae Hypoplectrodes jamesoni Jameson's Seaperch southern limit
Serranidae Hypoplectrodes maccullochi Halfbanded Seaperch
Serranidae Hypoplectrodes nigroruber Banded Seaperch
Serranidae Trachypoma macracanthus Pacific Rockcod
Serranidae Variola louti Yellowedge Lyretail southern limit
Siganidae Spinefoot, happy moments Siganus fuscescens Black Spinefoot
Sillaginidae Whitings Sillago ciliata Sand Whiting
Sillaginidae Sillago flindersi Eastern School Whiting
Sillaginidae Sillago maculata Trumpeter Whiting
Sillaginidae Sillago robusta Stout Whiting
Soleidae Soles Aseraggodes nigrocirratus southern limit
Soleidae Brachirus nigra Black Sole
Soleidae Pardachirus hedleyi Southern Peacock Sole
Soleidae Soleichthys microcephalus Small-head Sole southern limit
Soleidae Synclidopus macleayanus Narrowbanded Sole southern limit
Soleidae Zebrias quagga Zebra Sole southern limit
Soleidae Zebrias scalaris Manyband Sole
Solenostomidae Ghost Pipefishes Solenostomus cyanopterus Robust Ghost Pipefish southern limit
Solenostomidae Solenostomus paradoxus Ornate Ghostpipefish
Sparidae Snapper, Breams Acanthopagrus australis Yellowfin Bream
Sparidae Dentex spariformis Yellowback Bream
Sparidae Chrysophrys auratus Snapper
Sparidae Rhabdosargus sarba Tarwhine
Sphyraenidae Barracudas Sphyraena obtusata Yellowtail Barracuda close to southern limit
Sphyraenidae Sphyraena waitii Waite's Seapike taxonomy uncertain
Sphyrnidae Hammerhead Sharks Sphyrna lewini Scalloped Hammerhead
Sphyrnidae Sphyrna zygaena Smooth Hammerhead
Squalidae Dogfishes Squalus megalops Spikey Dogfish
Squatinidae Angel sharks Squatina australis Australian Angelshark
Stegostomatidae Zebra Sharks Stegostoma fasciatum Zebra Shark The Spit, Middle Harbour, 1947
Syngnathidae Pipefishes, Seahorses Festucalex cinctus Girdled Pipefish southern limit
Syngnathidae Filicampus tigris Tiger Pipefish
Syngnathidae Heraldia nocturna Upside Down Pipefish
Syngnathidae Hippocampus abdominalis Bigbelly Seahorse
Syngnathidae Hippocampus whitei White's Seahorse
Syngnathidae Histiogamphelus briggsii Crested Pipefish
Syngnathidae Lissocampus runa Javelin Pipefish
Syngnathidae Maroubra perserrata Sawtooth Pipefish
Syngnathidae Notiocampus ruber Red Pipefish northern limit
Syngnathidae Phyllopteryx taeniolatus Common (Weedy) Seadragon
Syngnathidae Solegnathus spinosissimus Spiny Pipehorse
Syngnathidae Stigmatopora argus Spotted Pipefish
Syngnathidae Stigmatopora nigra Widebody Pipefish
Syngnathidae Trachyrhamphus bicoarctatus Bentstick Pipefish close to southern limit
Syngnathidae Urocampus carinirostris Hairy Pipefish
Syngnathidae Vanacampus margaritifer Mother-of-Pearl Pipefish
Synodontidae Lizardfishes and Sauries Saurida nebulosa Clouded Saury southern limit
Synodontidae Saurida tumbil Common Saury
Synodontidae Saurida undosquamis Largescale Saury southern limit on east coast
Synodontidae Synodus variegatus Variegated Lizardfish southern limit
Synodontidae Trachinocephalus trachinus Painted Grinner
Terapontidae Trumpeters Pelates sexlineatus Eastern Striped Trumpeter
Terapontidae Terapon jarbua Crescent Perch
Tetraodontidae Pufferfishes Arothron firmamentum Starry Toadfish
Tetraodontidae Arothron hispidus Stars and Stripes Toadfish southern limit
Tetraodontidae Arothron nigropunctatus Blackspotted Puffer
Tetraodontidae Arothron stellatus Starry Pufferfish southern limit
Tetraodontidae Canthigaster callisterna Clown Toby
Tetraodontidae Canthigaster coronata Crowned Puffer
Tetraodontidae Canthigaster valentini Blacksaddle Toby
Tetraodontidae Lagocephalus inermis Smooth Golden Pufferfish
Tetraodontidae Lagocephalus sceleratus Silver Toadfish
Tetraodontidae Lagocephalus spadiceus Brownback Toadfish known from a single record
Tetraodontidae Reicheltia halsteadi Halstead's Toadfish
Tetraodontidae Tetractenos glaber Smooth Toadfish
Tetraodontidae Tetractenos hamiltoni Common Toadfish
Tetraodontidae Torquigener altipinnis Highfin Toadfish
Tetraodontidae Torquigener perlevis Spineless Toadfish close to southern limit
Tetraodontidae Torquigener pleurogramma Weeping Toadfish
Tetraodontidae Torquigener squamicauda Scalytail Toadfish close to southern limit
Tetrarogidae Centropogon australis Fortescue
Tetrarogidae Glyptauchen panduratus Goblinfish northern limit
Trachichthyidae Roughies Optivus agastos Violet Roughy
Trachichthyidae Trachichthys australis Southern Roughy
Trachipteridae Ribbonfishes Trachipterus jacksonensis Southern Ribbonfish
Triakidae Hound Sharks Galeorhinus galeus School Shark
Triakidae Mustelus antarcticus Gummy Shark
Trichiuridae Cutlassfishes Lepidopus caudatus Frostfish
Trichiuridae Trichiurus lepturus Largehead Hairtail
Triglidae Gurnards Chelidonichthys kumu Red Gurnard
Triglidae Lepidotrigla argus Eye Gurnard close to southern limit
Triglidae Lepidotrigla mulhalli Roundsnout Gurnard
Triglidae Lepidotrigla papilio Spiny Gurnard
Triglidae Lepidotrigla umbrosa Blackspot Gurnard southern limit
Triglidae Pterygotrigla polyommata Latchet
Tripterygiidae Triplefins Brachynectes fasciatus Barred Threefin identification uncertain
Tripterygiidae Ceratobregma helenae Orangebar Threefin Tropical species. One lot only from Sydney Harbour
Tripterygiidae Enneapterygius atrogulare Ring-scale Triplefin
Tripterygiidae Enneapterygius larsonae Black-head Threefin Tropical species. One lot from Sydney Harbour.
Tripterygiidae Enneapterygius mirabilis Miracle Threefin Tropical species. One from Sydney Harbour. Not included in species count.
Tripterygiidae Lepidoblennius haplodactylus Eastern Jumping Blenny
Tripterygiidae Trinorfolkia clarkei Common Threefin
Uranoscopidae Stargazers Ichthyscopus barbatus Fringed Stargazer
Uranoscopidae Kathetostoma laeve Eastern Stargazer
Urolophidae Stingarees Trygonoptera testacea Common Stingaree
Urolophidae Urolophus bucculentus Sandyback Stingaree
Urolophidae Urolophus kapalensis Kapala Stingaree
Urolophidae Urolophus viridis Greenback Stingaree
Zanclidae Moorish Idol Zanclus cornutus Moorish Idol southern limit
Zeidae Dories Zeus faber John Dory

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