Sea Sweep

Scorpis aequipinnis

Scorpis aequipinnis - Sea Sweep
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Size: 48 cm

Distribution: All SA coastal and gulf waters

Habitat: Rocky areas and reef. Common near jetty pylons

Depth: Subtidal to 10+ metres

Scorpis aequipinnis - Sea Sweep
Scorpis aequipinnis - Sea Sweep
Scorpis aequipinnis - Sea Sweep
Scorpis aequipinnis - Sea Sweep

One of the most common coastal reef fishes in South Australia, the Sea Sweep can often be encountered in large groups. They are curious and will often follow divers and snorkellers. With a flattened, disc-shaped body, this species has prominent dorsal and anal fins, and two darker bars on its body, although these can sometimes be poorly-defined and/or very light. They are very similar to other sweep species, including the Banded Sweep, and the Silver Sweep, although S. aequipinnis lacks the very dark, well-defined bars of the former species, and the dark tail margins and large pectoral fin spot of the latter. The size and shape of the dorsal and anal fins can also be used to identify these three species.