Little Weed Whiting

Neoodax balteatus

The Little Weed Whiting is a small species of ray-finned fish belonging to the family Labridae. Endemic to Australia, it is found along the southern coast, including Tasmania, and extends north to Cockburn Sound in Western Australia and north of Sydney in New South Wales. This species prefers marine and brackish environments, often inhabiting sheltered areas like estuaries, rocky reefs, and seagrass beds. Divers are likely to encounter this fish at depths ranging from 1 to 22 meters, although it is more commonly found in waters shallower than 15 meters. Reaching a maximum length of 14 centimeters, the Little Weed Whiting is a demersal fish that is harmless to humans. It is sometimes seen in the aquarium trade, though it holds no significant interest for fisheries. For divers, spotting a Little Weed Whiting can be an interesting experience. They are not known to be particularly shy, allowing for closer observation. The IUCN Red List categorizes this species as Least Concern.