White-ear Parma

Girdled Parma

White-ear Parma

Common Name: White-ear Parma
Scientific Name: Parma microlepis
Family: Pomacentridae
Found: NSW, VIC, TAS
Maximum Length: 20 cm

The White-ear Parma is part of a large family of Damselfish that include anemone fish. They are found in the southeast corner of Australia including all of NSW. They inhabit rocky reefs down to a depth of 30 metres. Males can become aggressive during mating.

The White-ear Parma can easily be identified by the white blotch on the gill cover. Adults are a drab brownish or yellowish colour, sometimes retaining some blue spots from their juvenile colouration. Juveniles are brighter orange or yellow with bright blue lines and a blue ocellus (a spot that resembles an eye) on the rear of the dorsal fin. As they age the lines break into spots and the base colour becomes more drab, however at all stages they retain the distinctive white mark on the gill cover.

Confusing Species: None likely

Girdled Parma

Common Name: Girdled Parma
Scientific Name: Parma unifasciata
Family: Pomacentridae
Found: QLD, NSW
Maximum Length: 20 cm

Girdled Parmas are members of the Damselfish family and are endemic to Australia. They have a range that is limited to all of NSW and the southernmost tip of Queensland. They can be found in shallow waters around rocky reefs.

Girdled Parmas are a grey to brown colour with a broad vertical white band mid-way along their bodies.

Confusing Species: None likely