MARINE FISH PROFILE
Rockfishes Rockfishes (Acanthoclinus species) are small elongate reef fishes that are found only in New Zealand. There are six species, four of which can be found in rockpools but they are cryptically coloured and secretive so they are rarely seen. The inshore ‘rockpool’ species are mainly olive green, brown, or dark grey while the two deeper water species: the splendid rockfish, A. matti, and the orange rockfish, an undescribed species, have larger eyes and are more colourful (Roberts et al. 2015). Most rockfish species are relatively small (about 12 to 20 cm) but 24 ∙ Aquarium World
Above: Olive rockfish Acanthoclinus fuscus Photo: Ian Skipworth
one species, the olive rockfish or taumaka, Acanthoclinus fuscus can grow to about 30 cm (Paulin and Roberts, 1992). Olive rockfish are relatively common in the intertidal zone around mainland NZ, and would be a great choice for a dedicated local marine aquarium. Olive rockfish are found on rocky shores around mainland New Zealand from the upper tide level to about 10 metres depth. They are olive green to grey, mottled with cream and darker blotches, and
