General Description

Body deep, compressed, head small, snout short, dorsal and anal fins similar, long-based, soft-rayed parts with elevated anterior rays, tail large, forked, pelvic fins very small. Silvery-grey to bluish-grey or greenish, usually with two broad dusky bands or saddles on upper sides, especially juveniles; lower part of head yellow in mature adults. Usually 35 cm long head to tail tip (up to 56 cm).

Biology

Common in the turbulent coastal waters, often in the surge zone around rocky reefs, where it feeds on plankton in small groups well above the bottom. Juveniles are commonly found in rocky estuaries and bays, and may be seen under jetties and piers.

Distribution

Southern Australia.

Habitat

Rocky inshore waters.

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