Barber Perch, Caesioperca rasor (Richardson, 1839)

Scientific name: Caesioperca rasor

Alternative name/s:
The Barber Perch has also been called the Barber Sea Perch, Red Perch, Tasmanian Barber.

Updated

21/12/20
Read time

2 minutes

Caesioperca rasor — A Barber Perch at a depth of 10 m, north-western Kangaroo Island, South Australia, December, 2003. Image: E. Schlögl
© E. Schlögl

Fast Facts

Classification

Genus

Caesioperca

Species

rasor

Family

Serranidae

Class

Actinopterygii

Subphylum

Vertebrata

Phylum

Chordata

Kingdom

Animalia
Size Range

It grows to 26 cm in length.

Introduction

The Barber Perch can be recognised by its colouration, is found on rocky reefs in temperate marine waters and is endemic to Australia.

Identification

The Barber Perch can be recognised by its colouration. Small juveniles are pink with a black head. Larger juveniles and females are pink with a blue line under the eyes. Males are yellowish to silvery with a blue spot on each scale. Males have blue lines on the head and blue-margined median fins.

Habitat

The species is found on rocky reefs in temperate marine waters.

Distribution

It is endemic to Australia, occurring from southern Victoria to south-western Western Australia.

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

References

Gomon, M.F. 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.