Highfin Velvetfish

Interesting Info

• The Highfin Velvetfish is a unique species exclusively found around Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea of the coast of New South Wales.
• This species features different colourations based on the reefs and rocks they inhabit. Their colours can range from oranges, reds, browns combined to solid colours.
• They are carnivores, feeding primarily on benthic invertebrates.
• Its specific name, “altipinnis,” comes from the Latin “alti-” (meaning elongate) and “pinnis” (meaning fin), likely referring to the tall anterior dorsal-fin spines.
• Due to their elusive nature, there is limited information on their breeding behaviours and lifespan.