Paraplesiops meleagris

Paraplesiops meleagris

''Paraplesiops meleagris'', commonly known as the Southern Blue Devil, is a species of fish in the longfin family Plesiopidae that is endemic to southern Australia. It is a close relative of the Eastern Blue Devil , which lives in the coastal waters of eastern Australia, and of the Western Blue Devil , of south-western Western Australia with which it is sometimes considered conspecific.
Southern Blue Devil Found in coastal and offshore rocky reefs and crevices. Eat small bony fish, and small crustaceans such as shrimp. Pairs will guard their eggs which are laid in vertical crevices. Mostly nocturnal in habit. Paraplesiops meleagris

Appearance

The fish grows to about 350 mm in length. It is generally deep blue, bluish or blue-brown in colour with a scattering of brighter blue spots, and with long dorsal, and large anal and pelvic, fins.

Distribution

The fish are found along the southern Australian coastline, from South Australia to eastern Victoria. They occupy reefs, ledges, crevices and deep cave systems, at depths ranging from 3 m to over 40 m, sometimes in small groups containing individuals of sizes varying from small juveniles to mature adults.

Habitat

The fish are found along the southern Australian coastline, from South Australia to eastern Victoria. They occupy reefs, ledges, crevices and deep cave systems, at depths ranging from 3 m to over 40 m, sometimes in small groups containing individuals of sizes varying from small juveniles to mature adults.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid on a substrate and are guarded by the male until they hatch.

Food

They feed on fish and crustaceans.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassActinopterygii
OrderCichliformes
FamilyPlesiopidae
GenusParaplesiops
SpeciesP. bleekeri