The species may reach total lengths of up to 60 cm (23.6 inches). They are uniform glossy black to brown, with a paler ring around the eye. Their colour, along with their large size, allow them to maintain a body temperature of 30 degrees Celsius; they spend much of the day basking in the sun. The unusual name comes from the pungent, fishy odour emitted when threatened. Another explanation of the common name is the superficial resemblance to mullet fish. Having a similar size, head shape, colour and scales.
Native to Australia, they are generally restricted to the rainforest of south-eastern Australia. The range of natural distribution is the northern side of the Hawkesbury River in the south, to the Conondale Range, near Maleny in south eastern Queensland.
The species favours habitat with many fallen logs, and it remains in close proximity to these. The restricted sunlight of the forest type require a number of basking sites to be available. It is less frequently found in other types of environs, such as the open eucalypt woodland of the region. They can be easily confused with the related Egernia frerei, the Major Skink.
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