The Old Wife is easily recognised by its deep compressed body, very tall "spikey" dorsal and anal fins and prominent dark brown to black and white bands. The derogatory standard name of the species apparently refers to the sound made when a fish is caught on hook and line. The teeth are ground together supposedly producing the sound of an 'old wife'. Old wives are commonly found in pairs or large schools. Enoplosus armatus is the only species in the family Enoplosidae

At a glance

Habitat Found around shallow coastal reefs and over seagrass beds often in large schools
Size The fish can grow up to 50 cm long
Origin Endemic
Distribution It is found in southern waters from southern Queensland to south-western Western Australia including around Tasmania
Descriptions
Distribution
It is found in southern waters from southern Queensland to south-western Western Australia including around Tasmania
Habitat
Found around shallow coastal reefs and over seagrass beds often in large schools
Size
The fish can grow up to 50 cm long
Common Name Old Wife
Aliases No Known Aliases
Origin Endemic
Conservation No Conservation Status
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Distribution and map

Distribution provided by The Atlas of Living Australia

Classification

Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
SubphylumVertebrata
SuperclassGnathostomata
ClassActinopterygii
SubclassEuteleostei
SuperorderAcanthopterygii
OrderPerciformes
SuborderPercoidei
FamilyEnoplosidae
GenusEnoplosus
SpeciesEnoplosus armatus
Synonyms

Synonyms

There are no known synonyms for this species
References and dates
Original No original text available
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Added Sun 11 Jan 2026 @ 21:51 PM
Updated Sun 11 Jan 2026 @ 21:51 PM
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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into trying to identify and ensure accurate identifications are made, and that the listed Descriptions, Sizes, Habitats and Distribution information is as accurate and valid as possible. Unfortunately, information in this arena is ever changing and as such no guarantee can be offered that it is correct or currently valid — the information is provided as a guide, and it is always suggested that you do a little research to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information. View the references or bibliography. Feedback and comments on the information provided are always welcome.