Hephaestus tulliensis De Vis, 1884
photo by Aland, G.

Family:  Terapontidae (Grunters or tigerperches)
Max. size:  30 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Oceania: northeastern Queensland, Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 7-10. Greatest body depth 2.2-2.5 in SL. Compared to H. fuliginosus, this species lacks the dark band across the pectoral fin base and the concave forehead-snout profile; and its relatively long pelvic fins reach the vicinity of the anus when depressed against the body (Ref. 44894).
Biology:  Adults are found abundantly in faster flowing sections of rivers, including riffles, over gravel, cobble and rocky bottoms. Sexual maturity is reached at about 13 m for males. Spawning occurs from July to October. Feed on a variety of macroinvertebrates, including crustaceans, aquatic and terrestrial insects, and algae (Ref. 44894). Eggs are guarded and fanned by the male parent (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 13 February 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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