Old wives (Enoplosus armatus) are endemic to the temperate marine waters of Australia, from southern Queensland to Western Australia, and are commonly found on rocky reefs within Jervis Bay. Their distinctively shaped bodies are silvery-white to cream in colouration with 6-8 dark brown stripes running vertically along the body. As adults, they are often found in large schools which separate into mating pairs when suitable spawning habitat is found. Early sailors named the ‘old wives’ after the grunting sound they make when caught on a fishing line which reminded them of the sound of a nagging old woman. Just another amazing creature that calls Jervis Bay home.
Video Credit: Sylvi Soe (https://www.crittersrepublic.com/)