Australasian fishes's Journal

Journal archives for July 2018

July 4, 2018

Southern record for the Yellowmouth Moray

Ian Shaw's beautiful photo of a Yellowmouth Moray, Gymnothorax nudivomer, shows a fish well south of its recognised range. Thank you Ian!
The Yellowmouth Moray was previously known south to the Capricorn Group, southern Queensland. Ian's observation has extended the distribution by around 700km.
Thank you also to Matthew Lockett, whose comment alerted us to this range extension. Matt is currently working on the Australian Faunal Directory.
Posted on July 4, 2018 06:57 AM by markmcg markmcg | 3 comments | Leave a comment

July 12, 2018

Two huge milestones!

Australasian Fishes is going from strength to strength. Although somewhat late, this short journal entry celebrates two impressive milestones. In well under two years of being online, Australasian Fishes has cracked 30,000 observations and had uploads from over 1000 people.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed; you guys are terrific! Together we are building a fantastic fishy resource. Keep up the great work. :)
Posted on July 12, 2018 04:08 AM by markmcg markmcg | 9 comments | Leave a comment

July 26, 2018

Yellow Chub

Xanthism (also known as xanthochroism or xanthochromism) is an unusual colour variety in which the 'normal' colouration of an animal is largely replaced by yellow pigments. It is thought to be genetic but may also be related to diet. Learn more on the Wikipedia page.
The image shows a xanthic Bermuda Chub, Kyphosus sectatrix*, speared by Vin Rushworth (right image, taken at Lord Howe Island) on a southern Abrolhos shoal, Western Australia, in approximately 18m of water. Vin stated, "There were actually 2 xanthic specimens in a school of 30+ fish."
Xanthism has been previously documented in Kyphosus, along with many species of fishes, as well as other animals including amphibians and birds. Visit the Australian Museum's Xanthic Luderick page to view other examples of xanthic fishes.
*The fish was identified by Kyphosus expert Kendall Clements. It is better known in Australia as a Beaked Chub rather than a Bermuda Chub. In Australia, the species is known from the east coast. This fish may represent a range extension.
Posted on July 26, 2018 07:08 AM by markmcg markmcg | 2 comments | Leave a comment