ANIMAL SPECIES:Common Gurnard Perch, Neosebastes scorpaenoides Guichenot, 1867
The Common Gurnard Perch is brownish or reddish, mottled with indistinct blackish blotches. It is endemic to Australia, occurring from southern New South Wales to South Australia.
Identification
The Common Gurnard Perch has a relatively elongate body and short snout. The body is brownish or reddish, mottled with indistinct blackish blotches. The inside surface of the pectoral fin is white, with a broad vertical black band and numerous small orange spots.
This species can be distinguished from all members of Neosebastes occurring in southern half of Australia by having numerous tiny pores on the underside of the mandible versus three distinct pores on each side (see lower image). It differs from all members of Neosebastes occurring in the northern half of Australia, New Caledonia and East Asia by having 72-103 scales in longitudinal series along the side of the body (versus 47-63).
Size range
The species grows to 35 cm.Distribution
The Common Gurnard Perch is endemic to Australia, occurring from southern New South Wales to South Australia.
It is abundant in the vicinity of Tasmania (especially Bass Strait), but it appears to be rare in the Great Australian Bight.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Common Gurnard Perch specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
It occurs at depths between 5 m and 140 m, although young fish generally occur in shallower water than adults.
Classification
- Species:
- scorpaenoides
- Genus:
- Neosebastes
- Family:
- Neosebastidae
- Order:
- Scorpaeniformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Motomura, H. 2004. Revision of the scorpionfish genus Neosebastes (Scorpaeniformes: Neosebastidae), with descriptions of five new species. Indo-Pacific Fishes. 37: 1-76, pl. 1-2.
Would you like to add a comment?
Sign up to add comments and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
Would you like to add a tag?
Sign up to add tags and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
A Common Gurnard Perch at Mornington Pier View full size
Sascha Schulz
© Sascha Schulz
Common Gurnard Perch from Frederick Henry Bay View full size
CSIRO Marine Research
© CSIRO Marine Research
Ventral view of Gurnard Perch mandibles View full size
Hiroyuki Motomura
© Hiroyuki Motomura
Support us
Your support will have a real impact.
Online Shop
Great gifts.
Australian Museum Members
Join today.
Australian Museum Business Services
Professional consulting.
Museum as a Venue
Unique spaces.
Media Resources
Contact Publicity.