Pencil Weed Whiting

Siphonognathus beddomei

The Pencil Weed Whiting is a small reef fish found primarily in the Eastern Indian Ocean, specifically along the southern coast of Australia. Its distribution ranges from Perth in Western Australia to Wilsons Promontory in Victoria, including the waters around Tasmania. This species is typically found in subtropical marine environments at depths ranging from 1 to 20 meters. It is most common on rocky reefs that are densely covered with brown macroalgae, thriving in areas with moderate wave action. Reaching a maximum length of 12 cm, the Pencil Weed Whiting is a demersal fish, meaning it lives and feeds on or near the bottom of the sea. Divers encountering the Pencil Weed Whiting can expect to find it in rocky reef environments, where it is likely to blend in with the surrounding algae. It is considered harmless to humans and has no significant interest to fisheries, although it may have potential for aquarium enthusiasts. The species is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.