Sand whiting are a member of the family Sillaginidae, the smelt-whitings. They are very similar in appearance to other species of whiting in Australia and can be difficult to distinguish. They are distinguished from other species by a dark to dusky spot at the base of the pectoral fin and an anal fin consisting of 15-17 soft rays. They have an elongated profile with long snouts and small downward facing mouths. They are silver in colour with yellowish pectoral, pelvic and anal fins and pale olive-coloured dorsal and caudal fins. The nose of larger fish has a bluish tinge, giving rise to their nickname the Blue-nose whiting.

As the largest among cuttlefish, this species demonstrates unparalleled mastery in color transformation and camouflage. With the ability to change color in an instant and manipulate parts of its skin to alter shape and texture, it adeptly mimics the surroundings, resembling rocks, sand, or seaweed. These remarkable displays serve diverse purposes, conveying messages to other marine creatures and facilitating activities such as camouflage, mating, or even entrancing prey with hypnotic precision.

The Old Wifes are one of the many families that belong to the order Perciformes (which means Perch-Likes). The Family Enoplosidae contains just one single species - the Old Wife (Enoplosus Armatus). They are endemic to Australia and common on many dives in Sydney, nearly always in pairs or groups (except when they are juveniles).

This beautiful fish species has been found living in both fresh and sea water, from estuaries to the ocean's shallow reefs.

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'.

The Port Jackson Shark occurs in southern Australian waters from southern Queensland south to Tasmania and west to the central coast of Western Australia.  They usually live in rocky environments on, or near, the bottom. Sometimes they are found in muddy and sandy areas, or where seagrass occurs

The Port Jackson Shark has a blunt head and harness-like markings which cross the eyes, run along the back to the first dorsal fin, then cross the side of the body. This pattern makes it very easy to identify the species.

Port Jackson Sharks forage for food at night when their prey (sea urchins, molluscs, crustaceans and fishes) are most active. They often use caves and rocky outcrops as protection during the day.

The spotted Wobbegong, often sighted, showcases a striking pattern of white rings and dark saddles against a yellow to greenish-brown background, particularly in the vicinity of Cabbage Tree Bay, Manly. Growing up to an impressive 3 meters in length, these sharks are prevalent along the coastal expanse from Southern Queensland to southwestern Western Australia, suggesting a potential endemism to Australia. Operating primarily during the night, they exhibit a penchant for fish, crayfish, crabs, and octopus in their diet. Known by the Aboriginal name "Wobbegong," these sharks are also casually referred to as 'Carpet Sharks.' Their presence around Cabbage Tree Bay adds an extra layer of allure to the rich marine diversity in this region.