Girella tephraeops (Richardson, 1846)
Rock blackfish
Girella tephraeops
photo by Dowling, C.

Family:  Girellidae (Nibblers)
Max. size:  61 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 20 m
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: Western Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-11. Uniformly dark gray or with uneven pattern of mixed, variably pale to dark, irregular spots; fins dark.
Biology:  Inhabits shallow rocky reefs (Ref. 33839). Found in small groups under ledges and in caves (Ref. 33839). Can quickly change from its uniformly dark color pattern to a blotchy coloration (Ref. 33839).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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