Eastern Hulafish

The Hulafish, also known as Trachinops taeniatus, is a species of marine fish endemic to the coastal waters of southern Australia, particularly from southern Queensland to eastern Victoria. Their name describes its exaggerated swimming movements.

How to identify the Eastern Hulafish

Hulafish are small and elongated in shape. They usually grow up to 10 cm in length max, though occasionally they can be slightly larger. They exhibit a silver-blue color that tends to be more vibrant along the dorsal (top) side and paler on the ventral (bottom) side.

Their dorsal fin is long and stretches almost the entire length of their back. Their pectoral fins are relatively large, adding to the elongated appearance of the fish.

Hulafish are schooling fish, so you’ll often see them in groups. A lucky swimmer might find himself swimming in a school of hundreds of specimens!

Distribution and Conservation Status

Hulafish are found in the coastal waters of southern Australia. They prefer weedy or rocky reef habitats. They can often be seen schooling in large numbers in the shallows, where they feed on zooplankton.

While they are currently not classified as endangered, their population trend is not well studied.

If you would like the opportunity to swim with these lovely creatures, you can try your luck at places such as Shelly Beach, Malabar Beach, or further south to Bushrangers Bay.