Barramundi Cod, Chromileptes altivelis (Valenciennes, 1828)

ANIMAL SPECIES:Barramundi Cod, Chromileptes altivelis (Valenciennes, 1828)

The Barramundi Cod occurs widely throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific. Adults are often found in silty reef areas while juveniles live in shallow water and are occasionally seen in rock pools at low tide.

Identification

The Barramundi Cod is easily recognised by its concave dorsal head profile and the scattered black spots on its body and fins.

Size range

The Barramundi Cod grows to 70 cm in length.

Distribution

It occurs widely throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific.

In Australia it is found in tropical and subtropical waters. On the west coast adults are found as far south as Dirk Hartog Island, while on the east coast juveniles which come down with the East Australian current, are found as far south as Sydney.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Barramundi Cod specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

The species is often found in silty reef areas to a depth of at least 40 m. Juveniles live in shallow water and are occasionally seen in rock pools at low tide.

Classification

Species:: altivelis
Genus:: Chromileptes
Family:: Serranidae
Class:: Actinopterygii
Subphylum:: Vertebrata
Phylum:: Chordata
Kingdom:: Animalia

What does this mean?

References

Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
Paxton, J.R., D.F. Hoese, G.R. Allen & J.E. Hanley. 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia Vol.7 Pisces Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra: Australian Biological Resources Survey. Pp. i-xii, 1-665.
Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.

Last Updated: 1 June 2009

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