Parma microlepis, commonly known as the white-ear, is a species of fish in the family Pomacentridae. This fish is endemic to Eastern Australia.

Parma microlepis
adult
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Family: Pomacentridae
Genus: Parma
Species:
P. microlepis
Binomial name
Parma microlepis
Parma microlepis (juvenile)

Description

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This species grows to ~20 cm. The White-ear changes colour as it grows but always has a white mark on its 'ear'. Young juveniles are brightly coloured but as the fish grows the colours fade to the adult colouration of yellowish-brown to grey or black".[2]

Distribution

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The white-ear is endemic to Australia, occurring from northern New South Wales to northern Tasmania.[2]

Behaviour

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During the breeding season, aggressive males may bite divers.[2]

Habitat

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Parma microlepis are benthic coastal reef inhabitants and are commonly found on reef, in depths of 1–55 m.[3]

Diet

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Omnivorous.

References

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  1. ^ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Parma microlepis". FishBase. June 2018 version.
  2. ^ a b c "White-ear, Parma microlepis Günther, 1862 - Australian Museum". australianmuseum.net.au.
  3. ^ Fetterplace, Lachlan C.; Turnbull, John W.; Knott, Nathan A.; Hardy, Natasha A. (28 August 2018). "Natural History Report. The Devil in the Deep: Expanding the Known Habitat of a Rare and Protected Fish". European Journal of Ecology. 4 (1): 22–29. doi:10.2478/eje-2018-0003.