Common Weedfish

Heteroclinus perspicillatus

Sea Life Native IUCN: Least Concern

About

Well-camouflaged bottom-dwelling fishes with reduced finger-like pelvic fins located under the rear of the head, the dorsal fin with a long-based spinous portion joined to a short soft-rayed portion, and the head adorned with slender orbital tentacle having a number of lobes. Large black spot present below first dorsal fin on each side.

Size

Can grow to around 20cm

Habitat

Amongst rocks, seagrass and algae in bays, tides pools and along the coast in depths of 0-10 m

Distribution

South-eastern Australia, including western and central Victoria and Tasmania

Gallery

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

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (3)

Bray, D. and Gomon, M. (2011) Heteroclinus perspicillatus Common Weedfish in Museums Victoria Collections (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2014 (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Quick Facts

Common name: Common Weedfish
Scientific name: Heteroclinus perspicillatus (Valenciennes, 1836)
Family: Clinidae
Category: Sea Life › Fish
Origin: Native
Conservation: Least Concern

Australian Faunal Directory

Also Known As

Robust Weedfish
Spotshoulder Weedfish

Tags

rock-pool

Information Website

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Header image: (CC BY-NC 4.0) © Sascha Schulz

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.