#scalyfin

[drhoz]

#1747 - Parma mccullochi - McCulloch’s Scalyfin

A Pomacentrid native to the SW of Australia. Juveniles are a similar shape (parma is Latin for little shield), but have brilliant blue upper parts and a bright orange belly. 

Around Perth, at least, they’re strictly herbivorous, and quite fussy about which algae they will eat - to the point that the species growing within their territory will be quite different to those growing outside it. As such it’s an ecosystem engineer, maintain patchs of high species diversity in the middle of kelp beds. 

They pair up in breeding season, and the male will stand gaurd over, and aerate the eggs, once they’ve been glued to a surface. 

[drhoz]

#1086 - Parma occidentalis - Western Scalyfin

Scalyfins are large, often colourful Perciformes, usually found in deeper water - this one was off the end of the Woodman Point groyne. They pair up during the breed season, and the males guard the eggs.

The Pomacentridae includes the famous anemonefishes, like Nemo :)

Photo and ID by @gemfyre