Aplodactylus lophodon Günther, 1859
Rock cale
Aplodactylus lophodon
photo by Yau, B.

Family:  Aplodactylidae (Marblefishes)
Max. size:  45 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 10 m
Distribution:  Southwest Pacific: southeastern Australia only.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 17-17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-20; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 6-7; Vertebrae: 35-35. Adults have a short-based anal fin, pectoral fins with thickened lower rays, and are grey to blue-black with lighter mottling on the sides and light spots on the fins (Ref. 33616). It is distinguished from its congeners in having larger body scales (lateral-line scales 72± 82 vs. 83± 120) and absence of vomerine teeth (Ref. 86913).
Biology:  Found on shallow exposed rocky shores, aggregating in high-energy zone, just below foaming surface to depths of about 10 m (Ref. 9002); in kelp and weed areas (Ref. 86913). Feed on either loose or attached weeds and algae (Ref. 9002); mainly consisting of Corallina pilulifera, together with smaller quantities of Ulva actuca, Jania and filamentous species such as Sphacelaria sp. (Ref. 86913).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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