ANIMAL SPECIES:Butterfly Perch, Caesioperca lepidoptera (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
The Butterfly Perch is a schooling species that occurs in temperate marine waters of Australia and New Zealand. They are commonly found on coastal reefs and deep reefs at around 100 m depths.
Alternative Name/s
Red PerchIdentification
The Butterfly Perch is usually pinkish with a dark blotch on the body. The pectoral fins are approximately the same length as the head. Adults develop spots, pale blue fin margins and a blue band behind the eye.
Size range
The Butterfly Perch grows to 47 cm in length.Distribution
It occurs in temperate marine waters of Australia and New Zealand.
In Australia it is known from New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. It is rare in Western Australia.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Butterfly Perch specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
In Australia it is common on coastal reefs of Victoria and Tasmania. In New South Wales and South Australia it usually occurs on deeper reefs down to about 100 m.
Behaviour and adaptations
Other behaviours and adaptations
The Butterfly Perch is a schooling species.
Classification
- Species:
- lepidoptera
- Genus:
- Caesioperca
- Family:
- Serranidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
- Kuiter, R.H. 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. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
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Lateral view of a Butterfly Perch at Montague Island View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
School of Butterfly Perch at Montague Island View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Butterfly Perch at Montague Island View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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