Rock Cale

About

A large greyish to bluish-black fish with pale mottling on the sides, a dark saddle beneath the middle of the spinous dorsal fin, a series of five evenly spaced white dashes or blotches on the sides below the lateral line from above pectoral fin to below end of dorsal fin, and pale spots on the fins.

This species can be confused with the Marble fish (Aplodactylus arctidens) the spots on the tail and fins can help to ID this species along with the 5 bands along the side.

Note:The books and related identification site and apps may state this species is not recorded in Tasmania. Over the recent years this species has been recorded as far south as the Derwent River showing it's recorded range needs adjusting

Size

Grows to around 45cm

Habitat

Found on shallow exposed rocky shores, aggregating in high-energy zone, just below foaming surface to depths of about 10 m

Distribution

Recorded in Australia from Mudjimba, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, to the Gippsland Lakes, Victoria, and Babel Island, Tasmania

Gallery

Select any photo or video to view it large with its details and credits.

📷 Wild Roo Designs 📷 Wild Roo Designs 📷 Marine Explorer 📷 richard ling

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (2)

1. Bray, D.J. 2019, Aplodactylus lophodon in Fishes of Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
2. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)