The family Aploactinidae (Velvetfsh) is a small family of unusual looking fish that are rarely seen around the world, let alone seen in Sydney. There are only about 30 recorded species of velvetfish so far worldwide, but as they are rarely found it is believed there are many more to be discovered.
Little is known about this family of fish. They are excellent at camouflaging themselves, not only in their appearance but in their movements. When they swim they look like they are mimicking a dead leaf moving back and forth with the water.
The only species I have seen in Sydney is the species: