Common Name: Southern Velvetfish

Distribution: Rare in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Endemic to Australia, is primarily found in southern Australian waters, from Sydney to Shark Bay in Western Australia and including Tasmania.

Ecological Notes: Frequents rocky estuaries, shallow protected reef to deeper sponge dominated reef, where it hides under rocks or partly buried in sand among rocks. Depth range from 3 to 30m at least.

Additional Notes: Common throughout its recorded range, feeds on shrimps and other small crustaceans. A secretive species with highly variable colouration from grey or creamy to dark purple brown with red patches, is rarely seen due to superb camouflage. Grows to 20cm.

References: Kuiter, R. H., Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Published by Crawford House Press Pty. Ltd., 1993. p. 105.

Atlas of Living Australia website at https://bie.ala.org.au/search?q=aploactisoma+milesii. Accessed 24/04/18.