Common Name: Eastern Kelpfish

Distribution: Common throughout the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Ranges from northern New South Wales, Victoria and Bass Strait Islands, also known from New Zealand.

Ecological Notes: Frequents surge zones in coastal reefs and around offshore islands, often in large aggregations. Depth ranges from intertidal to 20 m.

Additional Notes: Generally found in kelp and weed areas, similar to Aplodactylus lophodon, but feeding on small invertebrates rather than algae. This species stays close to the substrate and moves continually in the surge zone. Grows to 40 cm.

References: Kuiter, R. H., Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Published by Crawford House Press Pty. Ltd., 1993. p. 255.

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