Both Charmain Rogers and Eben Viljoen have photographed the rarely seen, very colourful, juvenile White-nose pigfish, Perryena leucometopon recently. These were seen at both Edithburgh and Port Hughes.
(Photo courtesy of Eben Viljoen)
Eben’s photo features on the Edithburgh Diving Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122178317180552416&set=a.122102829776552416. Charmain’s photos, which were taken at 3-4m depth, were posted to iNaturalist.
(Photo courtesy of Charmain Rogers)
According to iNaturalist (& Wkipedia) Perryena leucometopon , “The whitenose pigfish is endemic to southern and western Australia where there have been scattered records from the central coast of South Australia and off the southern and western coasts of Western Australia as far north as Port Denison. It is a reef-associated, benthic species found on the continental shelf.”
(Photo courtesy of Charmain Rogers)
The species features in books such as “Sea Fishes of Southern Australia” by Hutchins & Swainston, “The Marine and Freshwater Fishes of South Australia” by Scott, Glover and Southcott, “World Atlas of Marine Fishes” by Kuiter and Debelius.
I seem to recall having seen one in a private aquarium many years ago.
(Header photo taken by Charmain Rogers.)
This text provides an interesting insight into marine literature and the contributions of Steve Reynolds to the MLSSA. It’s fascinating to see how his passion for diving and photography has shaped the Society’s publications. The mention of specific books highlights the importance of documenting marine life in Southern Australia. It’s inspiring to learn about his dedication despite facing health challenges. How has Steve Reynolds’ work influenced the study and conservation of marine species in the region?