About Microcanthus strigatus (Cuvier, 1831)
The stripey, Microcanthus strigatus (Cuvier, 1831), has a deep, compressed body with a rounded back. It has a distinctive pattern of oblique black and yellow, sometimes white, stripes. These stripes extend onto its dorsal and anal fins, and a black stripe runs from the forehead to just behind the eye. This species reaches a maximum total length of 16 centimetres, or 6.3 inches.
The stripey is distributed across the Pacific Ocean in two separate disjunct populations. The northern population occurs from Japan and Taiwan to Hawaii. The southern population is found along the east and west coasts of Australia, around Lord Howe Island, and off New Caledonia. On Australia’s east coast, its range runs from central Queensland to southern New South Wales, and may extend as far as eastern Victoria and northeastern Tasmania. On Australia’s west coast, it occurs from Cape Leeuwin to Exmouth Gulf in Western Australia.
This species inhabits coastal and lagoon reefs. During the day, it forms dense schools that hide under ledges and in caves. It feeds on small crustaceans and algae. Juvenile stripey are often found in tidal pools, while adults can be seen around man-made structures including jetties and harbour walls. They are able to enter brackish water.
