Old Wife

Scientific Name: Enoplosus armatus 

Description: Old Wives are a common temperate reef fish in southern Australia easily distinguished by their vertical black and white stripes, a pointed mouth, and very tall ‘spikey’ dorsal and anal fins.

Feeding on small invertebrates, mostly crustaceans and marine worms, these fish are regularly seen in the Marine Sanctuary amongst kelp.

Their non-PC name refers to the grating sound made when fish are distressed.

Type: Bony Fish
Where to find: Subtidal Reefs
Size: 30cm