Nelson Bay Stranger (Sydney Cardinalfish)

[NoMoreDonuts]

Hey Raiders,

Can anyone help ID this little guy caught by my son on the Nelson Bay breakwall last school holidays?

[Bluebenbomb]

Sydney Cardinalfish?

Edited November 5, 2022 by Bluebenbomb

[NoMoreDonuts]

10 hours ago, Bluebenbomb said:

Sydney Cardinalfish?

Thanks for the suggestion! Not totally sure that’s it. Would love a second opinion.

[Mike Sydney]

I’d be interested in this also, I’ve caught a couple dozen in the harbour at night last couple months (I believe the same fish pictured). I’d always thought they were a species of wrasse. 
Have been everywhere tight up against the rock walls at night taking small soft plastics, very aggressive fish. 
 

[NoMoreDonuts]

10 hours ago, Mike Sydney said:

I’d always thought they were a species of wrasse. 

Interesting. They do look very similar. I think the warm afternoon light vs night head torch makes them look different colours. 
 

Sounds like they’re a bit of nuisance when you’re bream fishing!

[Bluebenbomb]

9 hours ago, Mike Sydney said:

I’d be interested in this also, I’ve caught a couple dozen in the harbour at night last couple months (I believe the same fish pictured). I’d always thought they were a species of wrasse. 
Have been everywhere tight up against the rock walls at night taking small soft plastics, very aggressive fish. 
 

I feel like that this fish could be (as I said), the Sydney Cardinalfish, but @NoMoreDonuts's fish is different. Could be wrong though. Happy to be corrected.

[Mike Sydney]

I think you’re right @Bluebenbomb Sydney cardinalfish,

I think they’re the same fish, if you see the dorsal fin it carries over the same black band in both sets of photos. The proportions are the same and seems caught in similar habitat.
 

[Blackfish]

I would also agree with @Bluebenbomb Sydney Cardinalfish.

5 Dark stripes along the body and a bigger gap between the 2nd and 3rd one.

If you have a photo of the tail would help as they have a spot on the tail base.

[Mike Sydney]

@NoMoreDonuts not sure if you have another pic but attaching a few more here for others in the future.

The colours vary quite a bit with some having purples, greens and blues though you’re right I’m shining headlamps on them which might be making them look more colourful than daytime. 

[Blackfish]

Black Spot on the Tail base confirms it. Thanks @Mike Sydney

[NoMoreDonuts]

No more photos I’m afraid @Mike Sydney. The little guy was very keen to release it so I had to work fast. Looking at all the photos though, I think @Bluebenbomb was right after all. Sydney cardinal fish it is. A new one for the knowledge bank. Thanks for digging deep on this one guys!!! I appreciate it.