ANIMAL SPECIES:Australian Bonito, Sarda australis (Macleay, 1881)
The Australian Bonito is a fast swimming, schooling species that is occurs on coastal reefs and estuaries.
Alternative Name/s
The Australian Bonito has also been called the Bunny, Common Bonito, Horse Mackerel, Little Bonito, Skipjack, and Striped Bonito.Identification
The Australian Bonito has a fusiform body and a forked caudal fin. There are three keels on the caudal peduncle and two dorsal fins separated by a small gap. There are dark stripes on the upper and lower sides of the body.
Size range
It grows to about 1 m in length.Distribution
The Australian Bonito occurs in temperate marine waters of Australia and New Zealand.
In Australia it is known from southern Queensland to southern Victoria and eastern Tasmania.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Australian Bonito specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The species occurs on coastal reefs and estuaries.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
It feeds on smaller fishes.
Other behaviours and adaptations
The species is usually seen swimming in schools.
Classification
- Species:
- australis
- Genus:
- Sarda
- Family:
- Scombridae
- Order:
- Perciformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Collette, B.B. & C.E. Nauen. 1983. FAO species catalogue. Vol. 2. Scombrids of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of tunas, mackerels, bonitos and related species known to date. FAO Fish. Synop. No. 125: i-vii + 1-137.
- Gomon, M.F. & E.M. Robertson. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
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An Australian Bonito caught at Cabbage Tree Island View full size
David & Leanne Atkinson
© David & Leanne Atkinson
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