Animal Species:White-ear, Parma microlepis Günther, 1862
The White-ear changes colour as it grows but always has a white blotch on the operculum that gives rise to the common name. Agressive males may nip divers during the breeding season.
Standard Common Name
White Ear Scalyfin
The White-ear changes colour as it grows but always has a white blotch on the operculum that gives rise to the common name. Young juveniles are orange with neon blue lines, and a blue-rimmed ocellus on the dorsal fin. As the fish grows the blue lines become less distinct and break into spots. The bright yellow colour gradually fades resulting in the adults colouration which is yellowish-brown to grey or black.
The White-ear grows to 20 cm in length.
It is occurs in Australia and New Zealand. Its Australian distribution is from northern New South Wales to north-eastern Tasmania.
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 by collection data
The species occurs on exposed rocky reefs from the surface (often in rockpools as juveniles) to a depth of 30 m.
Mating and reproduction
Adult males aggressively defend their territories during the breeding season.
Danger to humans and first aid
Agressive males may nip divers during the breeding season.
- Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life; the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544
- 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.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology