Bandfish

Common Name: Bandfish

Scientific Name: Cepola australis

Description

The Bandfish has a very long slender body with tiny cycloid scales that are mostly embedded. Its long-based dorsal and anal fins are continuous with the pointed caudal fin. It has large eyes and a large oblique mouth. The small teeth form a single row in each jaw with an additional row of curved teeth at the front of both jaws.

Size

It grows to 38 cm in length.

Characteristics

This species is usually pink to red, often with a yellowish tinge. Bandfish live in burrows in areas of soft sediment at depths from a few metres to over 70 m.

Location or Region Found

The species is endemic to Australia, occurring in tropical and warm temperate waters from northern Queensland, along the east and south coasts to eastern South Australia.