Maori Rockcod, Epinephelus undulatostriatus (Peters, 1867)

ANIMAL SPECIES:Maori Rockcod, Epinephelus undulatostriatus (Peters, 1867)

Juvenile Maori Rockcod have stripes on the side of the body and a wide black stripe along the upper side . Older fish have fine lines of dots. The species only occurs in Australian waters.

Alternative Name/s

Maori Cod

Identification

The Maori Rockcod can be recognised by its pattern and colouration. Juveniles have stripes on the side of the body and a wide black stripe along the upper side and dorsal fin base. Older fish have fine lines of dots.

Size range

The species grows to 40 cm in length.

Distribution

It is known from southern Queensland to southern New South Wales.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Maori Rockcod specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

Coastal reefs and deep estuaries.

Classification

Species:: undulatostriatus
Genus:: Epinephelus
Family:: Serranidae
Order:: Perciformes
Class:: Actinopterygii
Subphylum:: Vertebrata
Phylum:: Chordata
Kingdom:: Animalia

What does this mean?

References

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.

Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 9 January 2012

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4 comments

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Mark McGrouther
8.05 AM, 27 May 2010

Hi Matt. I'm pleased that Con posed so nicely for you. The photo shows the colouration beautifully. Another thing that I really like about your photo is that is shows the path of water as it enters the mouth, passes over the gills and out the opercular opening (the gill slit). You can read more about the gill rakers, arches and filaments on the Fish Dissection - Gills exposed page. Thanks again.