Common Name: Australian Mado

Distribution: Abundant throughout the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Distributed throughout the Indo-West Pacific. Abundant from southern Queensland to Tasmania, also Lord Howe Island.

Ecological Notes: Schooling species common in all coastal and offshore reefs, estuaries and harbours. Shallow to at least 25 m depth.

Additional Notes: Distinctly coloured, these small fish will gather in great numbers under piers, wharves and around harbour walls etc. Feed on benthic organisms or zooplankton in the water column. Grow to 25 cm, usually about 18 cm.

References: Kuiter, R. H., Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Published by Crawford House Press Pty. Ltd., 1993. p. 214.