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Eastern hulafish (Trachinops taeniatus) — Plesiopidae

Eastern hulafish

Trachinops taeniatus
Family: Plesiopidae

The Eastern hulafish (Trachinops taeniatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Plesiopidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Saltwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The eastern hulafish is a hulafish (Plesiopidae) from coastal waters of southeastern Australia. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a slender, red-brown body with light and dark longitudinal stripes and long dorsal and anal fins. As a schooling fish it hovers in loose groups above rocky reefs and seagrass and snaps at small zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Eastern hulafish?

The Eastern hulafish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Eastern hulafish live?

The Eastern hulafish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Eastern hulafish get?

The Eastern hulafish grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Eastern hulafish dangerous to humans?

No, the Eastern hulafish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Eastern hulafish sourced
Scientific name
Trachinops taeniatus
Family
Plesiopidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
12 sourced
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Trachinops

More from the family Plesiopidae

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