Notch-head Marblefish

Description:

Medium sized Marblefish growing up to around 40cm. This one closer to 30cm (12"). Well camouflaged fish marbled black/brown and white. Diagnostic white spots running down the base of the dorsal fin and mid flank. Under the gill cover is bright orange. Name given for the notch on the head between the eyes and nape.

Habitat:

This one found at about 2 meters deep but the species is recorded down to 40 meters. Only recorded around the Kermadec, Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands with a few records at the very north of the North Island of New Zealand.

Notes:

This fish is the only representative that has the notch. They are herbivorous feeding mainly on red algae and some sea lettuce. They will come into very shallow water to forage. Ref:Fishes of New Zealand Vol 4.