The latest addition to our library is this well crafted field guide containing over 700 images of fishes found in Sydney Harbor and the coastline of New South Wales. A joint effort of the folks at iNaturalist and the Australian Museum, authors Thomas Mesaglio, John Sear, and Yi-Kai Tea among others have produced an excellent resource for divers, snorkelers and aquarists. Among the 750 plus pages of the book you will find both temperate fishes as well as tropicals that have been brought to the area on the East Australian Current. If you happen to be a fan of Crush, you might be saying in your head, ‘It’s the EAC Dude!”
The authors note that historically many of these migrants from Queensland and northern reefs are simply temporary visitors, showing up in the Spring and perishing in the Winter. After all, NSW waters are temperate. With the advent of climate change and a warming of the waters in the region, some of these visitors have not only taken up residence but are surviving throughout the season.
If you’ve followed Todd Gardner or attended one of his Reefstock presentations, you would recognize that this Spring coastal migration occurs along the Eastern US as well. Warm Floridian waters are pushed up past North Carolina bringing with it juvenile tropicals which do not survive the colder winter months.
While many of us don’t keep temperate or colder water fishes in our home aquariums, some of these animals do show up in the trade. I have kept Pineapple fish (Cleidopus gloriamaris), Cowfish (Lactoria fornasini) and Boxfish (Ostracion cubicus) as well as pipefish and seahorses found in this region. Water temperatures in Sydney Harbor range from a low of 45 to highs around 74 degrees depending on the season. Coastal temperatures drop a few degrees lower, putting many of these animals well within the range of the average aquarist with the addition of a small chiller.
Most species are documented with four photos including notations on where they have been sighted in the 22 square miles of Sydney Harbor and the 1300 miles of NSW shoreline. In addition, a graphic indicates relative occurrence and seasonal likelihood of an encounter. If you are a snorkeler or diver, you can plan your next wet adventure when visiting Sydney. Diving at Shelly Beach in Manly is a great spot for Wobbegong sharks, while the adjacent Cabbage Tree Bay is where you are sure to encounter Weedy Sea Dragons.
Not planning a trip to Sydney anytime soon? This is a great book to thumb through while learning about the various regional fishes. Both beautifully illustrated and informative, it’s a great addition to your fishy library. You can obtain your own copy directly from the authors: https://sydneyharbourfishes.company.site Don’t let the price point or shipping deter you (it’s a heavy book). Remember that these are Australian dollars.
