Giant Boarfish, Paristiopterus labiosus (Günther, 1872)

Scientific name: Paristiopterus labiosus
Alternative name/s:
Duckfish, Giant Penfish, Long-snouted Boarfish, Sowfish
<i>Paristiopterus labiosus</i> Click to enlarge image
Giant Boarfish, Paristiopterus labiosus (Günther, 1872) Image: Sally Reader
© Australian Museum

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Paristiopterus
    Species
    labiosus
    Family
    Pentacerotidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 1m in length.

Introduction

In Australia the Giant Boarfish occurs from northern New South Wales south to Tasmania. The species mostly lives in deep water down to 200 m.

Identification

The Giant Boarfish has an elongated snout and a long-based dorsal fin. Juveniles and female Giant Boarfish are distinctly banded, but adult males have yellow spots.

Habitat

The species mostly lives in deep water down to 200 m. Sometimes it is observed in shallower water swimming over sandy or muddy bottoms.

Distribution

In Australia the Giant Boarfish occurs from northern New South Wales south to Tasmania.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Other behaviours and adaptations

Juveniles typically swim in small schools.

Breeding behaviours

Adults are usually seen in pairs.

References

  1. Hardy, G.S. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.