Fin's Fish Guide
The Angelfish (Enoplosus armatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Enoplosidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Temperate waters around southern Australia; estuaries, coastal reefs and piers.
Description
The old wife is the only species of the family Enoplosidae and occurs in the temperate waters around southern Australia. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a deep, strongly laterally compressed, silver-white body with conspicuous black vertical bands and two tall dorsal fins. Juveniles live in estuaries, adults on coastal reefs and around piers, often in pairs or small schools. As an omnivore it feeds on small crustaceans, worms and other bottom animals. The name comes from the grinding sound the fish makes with its teeth when taken out of the water. The dorsal and anal spines are venomous and give a painful puncture wound; therefore handle the fish with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Angelfish?
The Angelfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly white and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Deep, black-and-white banded body with two high dorsal fins; venomous dorsal and anal fin spines.
Where does the Angelfish live?
The Angelfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Temperate waters around southern Australia; estuaries, coastal reefs and piers.
How big does the Angelfish get?
The Angelfish grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.
Is the Angelfish dangerous to humans?
The Angelfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Angelfish edible?
The Angelfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Want the complete picture on the Angelfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Angelfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.