Aploactisoma milesii (Richardson, 1850)

Common Name and Dorsal Fin Baseline

Aploactisoma milesii, commonly called the southern velvetfish, has a long dorsal fin that starts just in front of the level of the eye and runs along the entire back. Only a narrow gap separates the last dorsal fin ray from the fish’s rounded caudal fin.

Pectoral Fin Structure

Its pectoral fins are long and rounded, with notches between the thickened upper fin rays.

Fin Ray Counts

The dorsal fin has between 13 and 15 spines and between 12 and 16 soft rays, while the anal fin has one spine and between 9 and 13 soft rays.

Skin Texture

The fish’s skin is thickened and has a velvet-like texture.

Lateral Line Features

Its lateral line runs along the flanks, and has knobs and filaments of varying sizes.

Body Coloration

The body color ranges from grey to cream or brown, with purplish mottled markings.

Maximum Size

The maximum published total length this species reaches is 23 cm (9.1 in).

Distribution Region

This species is endemic to the temperate waters of Australia in the Indo-Pacific.

Geographic Range

Its range extends south and west from Minnie Water in Yuraygir National Park, northern New South Wales, to Shark Bay in Western Australia, and includes the northern coast of Tasmania.

Depth and Habitat

It lives at depths between 3 and 30 m (9.8 and 98.4 ft), in sheltered bodies of water such as bays and estuaries.