SOLITARY ISLANDS
UNDERWATER
RESEARCH GROUP, INC.

Species Index

Paraplesiops bleekeri
(Gunther, 1861)

Common Name: Bleekers Devilfish

Distribution: Common in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Endemic to Eastern Australia. Recorded from southern Queensland to southern New South Wales. More common south of Sydney.

Ecological Notes: Frequents inshore and offshore reefs. Secretive, usually under ledges, or in small caves. Depth to 30 m, often to 15 m.

Additional Notes: Dark blue head and body with three broad white stripes, yellow tail base and pectoral fins. Elongated posterior parts of dorsal and anal fins, which when extended, give the impression of a much larger body outline. Eggs are guarded by the male parent. Grows to 40 cm.

References: Kuiter, R. H., Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Published by Crawford House Press Pty. Ltd., 1993. p.145.

Atlas of Living Australia website at https://bie.ala.org.au/search?q=paraplesiops+bleekeri. Accessed 25/06/18.

FishBase. Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2018. World Wide Web electronic publication. https://fishbase.ca/summary/Paraplesiops-bleekeri.html. Accessed 25/06/18.