ANIMAL SPECIES:Dorab Wolf Herring, Chirocentrus dorab (Forsskal, 1775)
The Dorab Wolf Herring occurs in tropical and subtropical marine waters and is usually found in inshore waters. It feeds on primarily on fishes although crustaceans, squids and other invertebrates are also eaten.
Identification
The Dorab Wolf Herring has an elongate, compressed body with a sharp belly. The body is covered with small cycloid scales. The single dorsal fin and anal fin are positioned in the posterior half of the body. The upward-directed mouth has large canine teeth in both jaws. There are two forward-pointing canine teeth on the premaxillae.
The fish is blue-green above, often with a tinge of violet, and silvery on the sides and belly.
Size range
It grows to about 1 m in length although rarely exceeds 80 cm.Distribution
The species occurs in tropical and subtropical marine waters of the Indo-west Pacific.
In Australia it is known from the central coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country and south on the east coast to southern Queensland.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Dorab Wolf Herring specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
It is usually found in inshore waters at depths between the surface and 120 m.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
The Dorab Wolf Herring feeds on primarily on fishes (mainly clupeids and engraulids) although crustaceans, squids and other invertebrates are also eaten.
Classification
- Species:
- dorab
- Genus:
- Chirocentrus
- Family:
- Chirocentridae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Munroe, T.A., Nizinski, M.S. & T. Wongratana. 1999. Chirocentridae. in Carpenter, K.E. & V.H. Niem (Eds). FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes. The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. Volume 3. Batoid fishes, chimaeras and bony fishes part 1 (Elopidae to Linophrynidae). FAO, Rome. Pp. iii-vi, 1398-2068.
- Randall, J.E. 2005. Reef and Shore Fishes of the South Pacific: New Caledonia to Tahiti and the Pitcairn Islands. University of Hawai’i Press. Pp. 584.
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A Dorab Wolf Herring caught east of Great Keppel Island View full size
Max Edwards
© Max Edwards
The head of a Dorab Wolf Herring View full size
Max Edwards
© Max Edwards
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