Old Wife

Often confused with boarfisheds, Old Wives can be distinguished by the two completely seperated dorsal fins, that are joined together in the Boarfish group. The habit of grinding its teeth when caught resembles the grumblings of and ‘olf wife’, so told by many ‘old fishermen’. Commonly found on in small to large schools on coastal reefs, seaweed areas and jetties in many areas of South Australia. They can grow up to about 30 cm (1 foot). Please be aware of their poisonous dorsal spines that are capable of inflicting a painful wound.