The stripey (Microcanthus strigatus), also known as the footballer or convict fish, is a species of ray-finned fish, a sea chub from the subfamily Microcanthinae which is part of the family Kyphosidae. It is native to the Pacific Ocean where it has a wide range. This species may be found in the aquarium trade.
| Stripey | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Centrarchiformes |
| Family: | Kyphosidae |
| Subfamily: | Microcanthinae |
| Genus: | Microcanthus |
| Species: | M. strigatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Microcanthus strigatus (G. Cuvier, 1831)
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| Synonyms[2][3] | |
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For Genus: For species:
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Taxonomy
editThe stripey was first formally described as Chaetodon strigatus in 1831 by the French zoologist Georges Cuvier with the type locality given as Nagasaki.[4] It was previously regarded as the only species in the genus Microcanthus, but as of 2020, a second species has been recognized.[5]
Description
editThe stripey has a deep, compressed body which has a rounded back, it has a distinctive pattern of oblique black and yellow, sometimes white, stripes. The stripes extend onto the dorsal and anal fins, and there is a black stripe which runs from the forehead to just to the rear of the eye.[6][7] The maximum total length is 16 centimetres (6.3 in).[2]
Distribution
editThe stripey is found in the Pacific Ocean where it has a disjunct distribution with a northern and a southern population. The northern population is found from Japan and Taiwan to Hawaii and the southern population is found along the east and west coasts of Australia, around Lord Howe Island and off New Caledonia.[1] The Australian distribution runs from central Queensland to southern New South Wales, although it may extend as far as eastern Victoria and the north east of Tasmania, and from Cape Leeuwin to the Exmouth Gulf in Western Australia.[6]
Habitat and biology
editThe stripey occurs in coastal and lagoon reefs where during the day it forms dense schools which hide under ledges and in caves. It feeds on small crustaceans and algae.[2] Juvenile stripets are often seen in tidal pools while the adults may be seen around man-made structures such as jetties and harbour walls.[6] They may enter brackish water.[8]
Aquarium
editThe stripey is occasionally found in the aquarium trade.[9]
References
edit- ^ a b Carpenter, K.E.; Robertson, R. (2019). "Microcanthus strigatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T68383670A68400634. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T68383670A68400634.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ a b c Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Microcanthus strigatus". FishBase. December -2019 version.
- ^ Eschmeyer, William N.; Fricke, Ron & van der Laan, Richard (eds.). "Genera in the family Microcanthidae". Catalog of Fishes. California Academy of Sciences. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
- ^ Eschmeyer, William N.; Fricke, Ron & van der Laan, Richard (eds.). "Chaetodon strigatus". Catalog of Fishes. California Academy of Sciences. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
- ^ Tea, Y.K.; A.C. Gill (22 June 2020). "Systematic reappraisal of the anti-equatorial fish genus Microcanthus Swainson (Teleostei: Microcanthidae), with redescription and resurrection of Microcanthus joyceae Whitley". Zootaxa. 4802 (1): 41–60. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.4802.1.3. PMID 33056631.
- ^ a b c Bray, D.J. (2019). "Microcanthus strigatus". Fishes of Australia. Museums Victoria. Retrieved 30 Apr 2020.
- ^ Mark McGrouther (14 January 2019). "Stripey, Microcanthus strigatus (Cuvier, 1831)". Australian Museum.
- ^ "Stripey". Fish of the Month. Hawaiifishes.com. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
- ^ "Write-Up Wednesday: Australian Stripey (Microcanthus strigatus)". Mr Saltwatertank. 2015. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
External links
edit- Photos of Stripey on Sealife Collection