ANIMAL SPECIES:Pearl Perch, Glaucosoma scapulare (Ramsay, 1881)
The Pearl Perch has a blue-black to grey bony shield projecting from under the upper operculum. The species is an excellent table fish that occurs in eastern Australian coastal waters to depths of 90 m.
Alternative Name/s
Bull-eye, Epaulette-fish, Nannygai, PearlyIdentification
The Pearl Perch can be recognised by its supracleithrum, the bone that projects as a blue-black to grey bony shield from under the upper operculum. If the thin layer of skin covering the supracleithrum is removed, the pearly-white bone is revealed. The colouration of the supracleithrum is the origin of the common name of this fish.
The Pearl Perch has a robust body, a large mouth and a second dorsal fin which is higher than the first. The body is silvery to grey, and each scale has a small golden brown spot. There is a dark spot at the base of the last dorsal fin rays. A brown line passes diagonally through the eye of juveniles.
Size range
It grows to 70 cm in length.Distribution
It is endemic to Australia, occurring from the central coast of Queensland to the central New South Wales coast.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Pearl Perch specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The species lives in coastal waters to depths of 90 m.
Living with us
Economic/social impacts
The Pearl Perch is a commercial species, which is mostly caught on lines. It is an excellent table fish.
Classification
- Species:
- scapulare
- Genus:
- Glaucosoma
- Family:
- Glaucosomatidae
- Order:
- Perciformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- McKay, R.J. 1997. FAO Species Catalogue. Volume 17. Pearl Perches of the World (family Glaucosomatidae). An annotated and illustrated catalogue of the pearl perches known to date. Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. Rome. Pp. 26.
- Yearsley, G.K., Last, P.R. & R.D. Ward. 1999. Australian Seafood Handbook, an identification guide to domestic species. CSIRO Marine Research. Pp. 461.
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A Pearl Perch off Rainbow Beach View full size
Dave Harasti
© Dave Harasti
A school of Pearl Perch at Wolf Rock View full size
Dave Harasti
© Dave Harasti
Pearl Perch, Glaucosoma scapulare View full size
Justin McKenzie
© Justin McKenzie
Mouth of a Pearl Perch View full size
Justin McKenzie
© Justin McKenzie
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