General Description

Body compressed, wedge-shaped, tapering from large head to tail; dorsal fin long-based, extending from forehead to tail and attached to caudal fin; pelvic fins absent; scales absent, skin of adults covered in wart-like bumps Colour extremely variable, yellow, greyish, olive-brown, orange or red, with darker blotches and spots. Usually 18 cm long head to tail (up to 22 cm).

Biology

These curious scorpionfish relatives are usually found on rocky reefs near the sponges they resemble. When threatened they release a cloud of noxious liquid to ward off predators. Prowfish are sedentary and regularly shed their skin to prevent the build-up of fouling organisms such as algae and encrusting invertebrates.

Distribution

Southern Australia.

Habitat

Coastal rocky reefs and hard bottom areas within estuaries.

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