Red Indian Fish

The Red Indian fish can reach a maximum length of 35cm. The ones I have seen have all been around 20-25cm. They range in colour from a scarlet, brick red to an orange colour. Sometimes they have black and/or white spots as well. The fish looks remarkably like a piece of sponge. The fish's dorsal fin stretches the entire length of its body and gives it the appearance of wearing a North American Indian chief's headdress. Therefore, the fish does indeed look like a Red Indian.

The Red Indian fish is only found in Australian waters, and from Moreton Bay in Queensland to Durras on the NSW South Coast. They also appear from South Australia around to Shark Bay in Western Australia. Most in Botany Bay is found at between 10m and18m.

The Red Indian fish usually sits still on the bottom next to a sponge that it resembles. When found it does not move but remains motionless on the bottom. The Red Indian fish can swim but when it does it looks like a dead leaf sinking through the water.

In Sydney, Red Indian Fish are regularly seen at Bare Island and Henry Head.

    Dive Start Date  
Henry Head - Boat Saturday 04 Jan 2025

  • Start Date: Sat 04 Jan 2025 at 08:00

Heneries head is a great dive with lots of colorful sponges. Keep an eye out for red Indian fish and weedy sea dragons as well. Max depth 22m although can be done at 12m. If the conditions are too rough for the site, we will relocate to another location. The boat will depart at the scheduled time from Sans Souci Public Fishing Wharf off Riverside Drive. This location is easy to get to by public transport or you can drive yourself. Please be at Abyss Scuba Diving one hour prior to departure time to collect any gear you need.

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Bare Island - Shore Dive Saturday 04 Jan 2025

  • Start Date: Sat 04 Jan 2025 at 09:00

Bare Island is arguably Sydney's most popular dive site and is suitable for all levels of divers. With a range of dive sites, it is set to impress no matter what the conditions. Be at the store at more than 30 mins before to collect your gear and meet your dive masters before driving yourself to the site.

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Henry Head - Boat Sunday 02 Feb 2025

  • Start Date: Sun 02 Feb 2025 at 12:00

Heneries head is a great dive with lots of colorful sponges. Keep an eye out for red Indian fish and weedy sea dragons as well. Max depth 22m although can be done at 12m. The boat will depart at the scheduled time from Sans Souci Public Fishing Wharf off Riverside Drive. This location is easy to get to by public transport or you can drive yourself. Please be at Abyss Scuba Diving one hour prior to departure time to collect any gear you need.

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Bare Island - Shore Dive Friday 14 Feb 2025

  • Start Date: Fri 14 Feb 2025 at 10:00

Bare Island is arguably Sydney's most popular dive site and is suitable for all levels of divers. With a range of dive sites, it is set to impress no matter what the conditions. Be at the store at more than 30 mins before to collect your gear and meet your dive masters before driving yourself to the site.

Request More Info

Henry Head - Boat Saturday 15 Feb 2025

  • Start Date: Sat 15 Feb 2025 at 12:00

Heneries head is a great dive with lots of colorful sponges. Keep an eye out for red Indian fish and weedy sea dragons as well. Max depth 22m although can be done at 12m. The boat will depart at the scheduled time from Sans Souci Public Fishing Wharf off Riverside Drive. This location is easy to get to by public transport or you can drive yourself. Please be at Abyss Scuba Diving one hour prior to departure time to collect any gear you need.

Request More Info

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