© Baker, J.L. (2009) Marine Species of Conservation Concern in South Australia Full citation Baker, J.L. (2009) Marine Species of Conservation Concern in South Australia: Volume 1 - Bony and Cartilaginous Fishes. Report for the South Australian Working Group for Marine Species of Conservation Concern. J. Baker (consultant); Science and Conservation Division, and Coast and Marine Conservation branches of S.A. Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH); Marine and Coastal Community Network of S.A. (MCCN), and Threatened Species Network (TSN). Web version published by Reef Watch, South Australia.

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CHIRONEMIDAE: KELPFISHES

© Philip Good

The Chironemidae is a small family of about 6 marine fishes, 3 of these from southern Australia (2 of which also occur in New Zealand), 2 from Chile and 1 from Lord Howe, Norfolk and Kermadec islands (Froese and Pauly, 2007). Chironemid fish are related to the tropical hawkfish family (Cirrhitidae) (Kuiter, 1993) and to morwongs (Cheilodactylidae) (Edgar, 2000). Members of the family have strengthened pectoral fins, which enable the fish to wedge among rocks on kelp-covered reefs in wave-exposed areas (Kuiter, 1993; Edgar, 2000).
Two of the 6 species in the family are found in S.A. waters, and both are discussed below because they are site-associated on shallow subtidal reefs, and have a restricted depth range.

Associated taxa

Western Kelpfish / Tasselled Kelpfish	Chironemus georgianus Cuvier, 1829
Silver Spot	Threpterius maculosus Richardson, 1850