Bigscale Bullseye, Pempheris multiradiata Klunzinger, 1879

Scientific name: Pempheris multiradiata
Alternative name/s:
Big-scaled Bullseye, Common Bullseye, Large-scaled Bullseye
Common Bullseye, Pempheris multiradiata Click to enlarge image
Common Bullseyes at a depth of 15 m, "The Docks", Jervis Bay, New South Wales, March 2001. Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Pempheris
    Species
    multiradiata
    Family
    Pempheridae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The Bigscale Bullseye grows to 28 cm in length.

Introduction

The Bigscale Bullseye is found in a range of habitats. It prefers to feed at night, and shelters in caves and ledges during the day.

Identification

The Bigscale Bullseye is pale to dark brown or silvery with thick brown stripes along the scale rows. The fins are dusky. Juveniles are paler with black-tipped, yellow pelvic fins. It is a deep-bodied compressed species with a very large eye and a large oblique mouth.

Common Bullseye, Pempheris multiradiata
Common Bullseyes at a depth of 15 m, "The Docks", Jervis Bay, New South Wales, March 2001. Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl

Habitat

The Bigscale Bullseye is found in a range of habitats from shallow silty estuaries to depths of 30 m on rocky reefs.

Distribution

It is recorded from southern Australian marine waters from the central New South Wales coast to the south-west coast of 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.

Feeding and diet

This species usually shelters in caves and ledges during the day, venturing out at night to feed.

Other behaviours and adaptations

Juveniles are often seen in moderate-sized schools, but adults are usually solitary or occasionally in small schools.

References

  1. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  5. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  6. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.