Commonly found in shallow waters and reef environments across the southern coast of mainland Australia from Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria. Well known in Bass Strait and across northern Tasmania.

Identified by its whitish body and broad vertical stripes (9-10) which are thicker at the top and taper toward the underbelly area (ventral region). They have small mouths and chisel like teeth to enable them to feed on algae and invertebrates from the sea floor. Juveniles are darker so it is more difficult to see the bands.

Family: KYPHOSIDAE known as drummers
Family members also on the Redmap list: luderick and rock blackfish
Habitat: Rocky reefs
Size: Up to 50cms
Image: T. Cooper
Log it: Log this species if you spot it on the west, east and south coasts.

• Australian Marine Life: The Plants and Animals of Temperate Waters by G. J. Edgar, Revised (2008) Reed Books, Melbourne
   
• Fishes of Australia’s Southern Coast, Edited by M. Gomon. D. Bray and R. Kuiter (2008) Reed Books, Melbourne
   
• Fishes of Tasmania by P. Last, E. Scott and F. Talbot (1983). Tasmanian Fisheries Development Authority, Hobart