Parma microlepis

Parma microlepis
adult
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Division: Teleostei
Order: Blenniiformes
Family: Pomacentridae
Genus: Parma
Species:
P. microlepis
Binomial name
Parma microlepis
Günther, 1862

Parma microlepis, commonly known as the white-ear, is a species of fish in the family Pomacentridae. This fish is endemic to Eastern Australia.

Parma microlepis (juvenile)

Description

This species grows to ~20 cm. The White-ear changes colour as it grows but always has a white mark on its 'ear'. Young juveniles are brightly coloured but as the fish grows the colours fade to the adult colouration of yellowish-brown to grey or black".

Distribution

The white-ear is endemic to Australia, occurring from northern New South Wales to northern Tasmania.

Behaviour

During the breeding season, aggressive males may bite divers.

Habitat

Parma microlepis are benthic coastal reef inhabitants and are commonly found on reef, in depths of 1–55 m.

Diet

Omnivorous.

References

  1. ↑ Allen, G.R. (2022). "Parma microlepis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2022 e.T188396A1868628. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-2.RLTS.T188396A1868628.en. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
  2. ↑ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Parma microlepis". FishBase. June 2018 version.
  3. 1 2 3 "White-ear, Parma microlepis Günther, 1862 - Australian Museum". australianmuseum.net.au.
  4. ↑ Fetterplace, Lachlan C.; Turnbull, John W.; Knott, Nathan A.; Hardy, Natasha A. (28 August 2018). "Natural History Report. The Devil in the Deep: Expanding the Known Habitat of a Rare and Protected Fish". European Journal of Ecology. 4 (1): 22–29. doi:10.2478/eje-2018-0003.