Rainbow cale
Heteroscarus acroptilus
Rainbow cale have a known range from the central coast of New South Wales, around the temperate south of Australia to the central coast of Western Australia. They are also found in Bass Strait and down the east coast to Maria Island.
The mouths of the rainbow cale are beak like and the males are brightly coloured and have two elongated spines on dorsal fins. The males and larger females have dark rectangular blotches in rows along the length of their flank and purplish bands across a light orange/brown body. Juveniles and small females are brown white and red brown and speckled looking.
Simular to wrasses, the dominant female will become male if the dominant male is lost.
AKA: Rainbow Fish
Family ODACIDAE known as rock whiting
Family members also on the REDMAP List: Herring Cale
Habitat: Exposed reef and sea grass
Size: under 30cm
Image: Simon Talbot
Log it: Log it if you spot it south of Maria Island and directly off the north coast.
