The spikey bass (Hypopterus macropterus) is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Latidae, the lates perches. It is endemic to coastal waters off Western Australia, where it inhabits areas with soft substrates. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Hypopterus.
Distribution and habitat
thumb|Distribution map.
The spikey bass is endemic to the eastern Indian Ocean off the coast of northwestern Australia. It prefers demersal and temperate waters.
Etymology and taxonomy
The spikey bass’s generic name Hypopterus derives from the Greek hypo (under) and pteron (wing or fin). with the type locality given as "Victora", meaning Port Essington in the Northern Territory but is actually thought to be Shark Bay in Western Australia.