australian angelshark
The Australian Angelshark is a bottom-dwelling species that can be recognised by its depressed body and large pectoral fins that are not fully joined to the head. In Australia it occurs from New South Wales, around the south of the country including Tasmania, and north to south-western Western Australia.
australian lungfish
The Australian lungfish belongs to a very ancient group Sarcopterygii (fleshy finned fishes). Fossil memnbers of this group have been dated at over 400 million years. The Australian fossil record shows up to seven species. Fossils identical to N. forsteri found in northern New South Wales have been dated at 100 Million years, during the early Cretaceous Period, making this species a member of the oldest extant vertebrate genus.
potato cod
As it is very large, has distinctive markings and is quite friendly, the potato cod is a favourite with divers. As this species has been fished out from most other parts of the world, we are very lucky in Western Australia that divers can still come face to face with them in places such as the Rowley Shoals Marine Park. Named after the large potato-shaped markings on its body, the potato cod (Epinephelus tukula) is one of the biggest members of the groper family.
blue-ringed angelfish
A mature Annularis Angelfish will have a white tail fin, a light brown body, and curving thin neon blue stripes. There is no visible difference between male and female Blue Ring Angels. This species is shy initially when introduced to a tank, but has been known to become territorial towards other Angelfish as time goes on.
blue shark
The blue shark's sleek, tapered body makes it a graceful swimmer. Its elongated caudal fin (tail) provides swimming power as the tail moves side-to-side. These sharks are among the fastest swimming sharks and can even leap out of the water. They are also probably among the fastest fish. Estimates of their speed varies; some say that they can swim at about 60 miles per hour (97 kph), while more conservative estimates are about 22 mph (35 kph). There hasn't been enough experimentation on their speeds to have an definitive answer.
eastern blue devil
The Eastern Blue Devil Fish (Paraplesiops bleekeri) is also known as the Bleeker's Blue Devil Fish and is one of the most beautiful fish species in Australia's waters. It is a shy, secretive fish that is found inside caves and under ledges in inshore reefs in NSW estuaries and offshore waters from three to thirty metres.
foxface
Rabbitfish, found in shallow lagoons, have small, hare-like mouths, large dark eyes, and a peaceful temperament. They are colorful, and have well developed, venomous dorsal and anal fin spines. Use caution when handling these fish, as the spines will inflict a painful sting.
luderick
The Luderick is a very common coastal species in New South Wales waters. The species name, tricuspidata, refers to its flattened three-cusped teeth. The movie, below, shows one of the annual Luderick spawning aggregations at the Sand Pipe, Gold Coast Seaway, Queensland. The males have adopted a pale body colouration with a dark head. They are closely following the 'ripe' females that have retained the 'normal' barred body pattern.
moon wrasse
The Moon Wrasse or Lunar Wrasse is very popular and readily identified. All the common names of this wrasse are derived from a description it's tail; Moon Wrasse, Lunar Wrasse, Lunare Wrasse, Crescent Wrasse, and Lyretail Wrasse. This is because as an adult, the yellow caudal fin becomes very 'lunate', which means shaped like a crescent moon with long upper and lower lobes
ribbon eel
Ribbon eels make striking display animals for the home aquarium, but in some captive setups they may refuse to feed. There are several things you can do to help initiate feeding in a stubborn ribbon eel. First, provide adequate hiding places, so your eel feels secure. One way to do this is to place about 3 inches of live sand and an inch of coral rubble on the aquarium bottom, and a mound of live rock on one side of the tank or against the back glass.