Old Wife
Common Name: Old Wife
Scientific Name: Enoplosus armatus
Family: Enoplosidae
Found: QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS, SA, WA
Maximum Length: 25 cm
Found in all temperate Australian waters, Old Wives are a common sight all along the south coast. They are endemic to Australia and the sole representatives of their family. They can be found in large schools or in pairs on reefs - especially around plants - or in mid-water. Their dorsal fins contain a venomous spine and so they should be handled with care.
The Old Wife has a very distinctive body shape and colouration. They are deep bodied with 2 long and separate dorsal fins. The dorsal fins lie flat when the fish is swimming fast and so can appear to be one fin. They are silvery white to brown with several dark vertical stripes down their bodies.
Confusing Species: None likely
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