Old Wife

Enoplosus armatus

Enoplosus armatus - Old Wife (Family Enoplosidae)
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Size: 30 cm

Distribution: All SA continental waters

Habitat: Rocky reef

Depth: Subtidal to 10+ metres

Enoplosus armatus - Old Wife (Family Enoplosidae)

This black-and-white striped fish usually hangs out in pairs towards the bottom of the water column. It is recognisable by its extremely long dorsal, anal and pelvic fins. It bears similarities to the Longsnout Boarfish (Pentaceropsis recurvirostris), but can be distinguished by its much shorter snout, and its narrow, knife-shaped first dorsal fin.