Common Name: Rock Cale

Distribution: Abundant throughout the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Known from south eastern Australian waters only.

Ecological Notes: Frequents high surge areas on shallow exposed rocky shores, in kelp and weed areas. Depth to 10m.

Additional Notes: Feeds on algae, either loose or attached. Best recognised by the prominent hump just forward of the eyes and mouth position under the nose. Sometimes mistaken for Chironemus marmoratus which is often in the same habitat but has more forward, pointed mouthparts and is generally covered in small white spots. Grows to at least 45cm. 

References: Kuiter, R. H., Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Published by Crawford House Press Pty. Ltd., 1993. p. 256.

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