About Paraplesiops bleekeri (Günther, 1861)
Paraplesiops bleekeri (Günther, 1861) reaches a maximum total length of 40 cm. It can be identified by distinct markings: blue and white bands across its body, blue spots on its head, and blue dorsal and anal fins. Its pectoral and caudal fins have a yellow base, while its pelvic, posterior dorsal, and anal fins are all elongated. This species is a close relative of the southern blue devil, Paraplesiops meleagris, which occupies colder waters of southern Australia. This fish is distributed in eastern Australian coastal waters, ranging from the Gold Coast of southern Queensland to Montague Island, and it is most common between Sydney and Ulladulla. Paraplesiops bleekeri is a benthic species that lives on coastal reefs. Individuals reside inside caves, and under ledges and overhangs on reefs and in estuaries. It was historically thought to inhabit waters between 3 and 30 metres deep, and is most often found in shallow waters less than 20 metres deep. However, recent observations confirm this species also lives on offshore reefs at depths down to at least 50 metres.
