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Velvetfish
Aploactisoma milesii (Richardson, 1850)
A Velvetfish at a depth of 15m, South Head, Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, October 2002. View larger image.
The Velvetfish has thick skin and a velvet-like appearance. The lateral line along the side of the body has variously developed knobs and filaments. The species has highly variable colour from grey to cream or brown, with purplish mottling. This camouflage colouration and body form mean the Velvetfish is seen infrequently.
The long dorsal fin originates just before the eye and runs along the back, with only a small gap before the rounded caudal fin. The pectoral fin is long, rounded and incised between the thickened upper rays.
This species is occasionally seen between rocks and sponges or partially buried in the sand that surrounds rocks and algae. It is found in depths of 3-30m in protected waters such as coastal bays and estuaries.
The Velvetfish is recorded in Australia's temperate waters from Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, south to Tasmania and west to Shark Bay, Western Australia. It grows to 23cm in length.
View a map of the collecting localities of specimens in the Australian Museum Fish Collection.
Further reading
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Poss, S.G. in Gomon, M.F, C.J.M. Glover & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
