Darkfin Velvetfish
Erisphex Aniarus
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Quick Facts
Scientific name
Erisphex Aniarus
Other names
Darkfinned Velvetfish, Marbled Waspfish
Size
Up to 6 cm (2.36 in)
Weight
A few grams
Distribution
Habitat & AU Distribution
Coastal & offshore waters amongst rocky & coral reef areas
Depth Range
30 - 280 (918 ft)
Interesting Info
- Darkfin Velvetfish are a deeper water fish found along the coast of northern and eastern Australia. Including Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and southern Queensland.
- They have thick, velvety skin and a lateral line with knobs and filaments. Its coloration varies from grey to cream or brown, often with purplish mottling, enabling effective camouflage. As a result, this species is rarely spotted in the wild.
- They are carnivores, feeding primarily on benthic invertebrates.
- Darkfin Velvetfish have sharp spines with venom glands at the base of their anal fin spine.
- Due to their elusive nature, there is limited information on their breeding behaviours and lifespan.
Species Interaction
Elusive Species
Little is known about the Darkfin Velvetfish due to its small size and deep-sea environment. Encounters with this fish is limited to bycatch from deep-sea trollers or deep water scientific expeditions.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Scorpaeniformes
Family: Aploactinidae
Genus: Erisphex
Species: Erisphex Aniarus
Conservation Status
The conservation status of the Darkfin Velvetfish has not specifically been assessed or listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It’s important to note that conservation status assessments can change over time due to new data and research.
Elusive / Overlooked Species
Finding: Difficult
Temperament: Shy
Location: Outer reef, Caves, Deepsea
Danger: Dorsal and Pectoral Spine
