Girdled Scalyfin

Parma unifasciata

The Girdled Scalyfin is a small reef fish known for its distinctive body shape, which is short and deep with a compressed cross-section. It can reach a maximum length of 18.0 cm. This species is characterized by its dorsal fin, which has 13 spines and 17 to 19 soft rays, and its anal fin, which contains 2 spines and 14 to 15 soft rays. These features help divers identify it among other similar reef fish. This fish inhabits rocky inshore reefs in the Western Pacific, specifically between Noosa Head, Queensland, and Montague Island, New South Wales, Australia. It is typically found at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters, making it accessible to divers exploring these temperate reef environments. The Girdled Scalyfin is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs. During breeding, they form distinct pairs, and the males take on the responsibility of guarding and aerating the eggs, which are demersal and adhere to the substrate. Despite its presence at numerous dive sites, its conservation status has not been evaluated, and it poses no threat to humans.