New species recorded in Lord Howe Island Marine Park

Summer proved to be an exciting time for observing new fish species in the Lord Howe Island Marine Park.

Three fish species not previously recorded in the park were sighted during late December and early January.

Stephan Kleinlein was lucky to photograph a school of at least 30 roundface batfish (Platax teira) in the Observatory Rock Sanctuary Zone.

This species is widespread, occurring along most Australian coastlines and other nearby islands such as Norfolk Island and New Caledonia.

However, it has not previously been documented in the waters around Lord Howe Island.

In January, Stephan Kleinlein also recorded a sighting of the barred trevally (Carangoides ferdau) at Little Slope.

This species is known from the coastlines of much of mainland Australia and elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific.

Reef stonefish moves in

Marine park staff saw a reef stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) in the southern lagoon during late January.

This species has previously been documented at Middleton Reef.

Stonefish are infamous for being highly venomous and well-camouflaged.

Several other fish species in the marine park have a similar appearance to stonefish, including the false stonefish (Scorpaenopsis diabolus) and red scorpionfish (Scorpaena cardinalis) are also venomous but less dangerous.

Sightings of unusual marine species within the marine park can be reported to staff either by email or phone (02 6563 2359).