Stripey, Microcanthus strigatus (Cuvier, 1831)

Scientific name: Microcanthus strigatus
Alternative name/s:
Eastern Stripey, Footballer, Western Stripey
Similar species:
Another very common coastal fish in the same family as the Stripey (Microcanthidae), also occurs in the Sydney region, and shares the species name
  • Author(s)
    Mark McGrouther
  • Updated
    08/04/22
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Stripey with a parasitic fish louse on its tail Click to enlarge image
A Stripey with a parasitic fish louse on its tail, Port Stephens, New South Wales. Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Microcanthus
    Species
    strigatus
    Family
    Kyphosidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 16 cm in length.

Introduction

The Stripey can be recognised by a distinct pattern of slanting black and yellow to white stripes on the sides of the body. The species lives on rocky and coral reefs in protected coastal and estuarine waters.

Identification

The Stripey can be recognised by its deep, compressed body, and distinct pattern of slanting black and yellow to white stripes.

Habitat

The species lives on rocky and coral reefs in protected coastal and estuarine waters. It is seen in small to large aggregations. Juveniles often occur in rock pools.

Distribution

The Stripey is known to occur in three distinct regions. In Australia it is recorded on the east coast from southern Queensland to southern New South Wales. It is common in coastal reefs of the Sydney region. On the west coast it is recorded from Exmouth Gulf to Cape Leeuwin. The third region is in the northern hemisphere, from Japan, China and Hawaii. Some ichthyologists believe that fish from these regions may represent more than one species.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

Feeding and diet

The species eats invertebrates and algae.

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
  2. Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
  3. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life; the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544
  4. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  5. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  6. Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
  7. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  8. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.