Percichthyidae novemaculeata (Steindachner, 1866)

A.C. Hay & T. Trnski

D VIII-X, 8-11 A III, 7-9 P1 12-16 P2 I, 5 C 17 V 25

Distribution Adults occur in coastal drainages of Size at temperate south-eastern Australia between Tin Can Bay, Qld, (25º55´S) and Gippsland, Vic (147º30´E). Hatching 3.5 mm They are catadromous, generally inhabiting freshwater Notochord flexion 4.6–5.9 mm rivers, lakes and streams and move to brackish Settlement mm 10.1-14.1 mm estuaries to spawn during winter. Adults are olive- Formation of fins: green to silvery-grey dorsally and paler, yellow to Caudal 4.6-5.6mm; Dorsal 4.6–5.7 mm; Anal 4.6–13.3 white ventrally. Very similar to M. colonorum, except mm; Pectoral 5.7–6.7 mm; Pelvic 6.3–8.2 mm for a snout profile that primarily straight and slightly darker colouration. A popular angling species Pigmentation Larvae are moderately pigmented. attaining a maximum size of about 60 cm (Harris & External: An expanded melanophore is present on the Rowland 1996, Allen et al. 2002, Hoese et al., in tip of the snout and a small melanophore develops press). under the tip of the lower jaw prior to flexion. A second melanophore on the snout develops posterior Diagnostic characters to the first by flexion. A single melanophore is present at the angle of the lower jaw. There is an expanded • Myomeres 10-13 + 13-15 = 25 melanophore on the midline of the isthmus. A series • Ratio SnL

A 4.4mm

B 4.6 mm

C 5.4 mm

D 6.7mm

E 10.3 mm

F 13.3 mm