Animal Species:Eastern Pomfred, Schuettea scalaripinnis Steindachner, 1866

The Eastern Pomfred is a common schooling species in shallow marine waters from central Queensland to southern New South Wales.

Eastern Pomfred, Schuettea scalaripinnis

Eastern Pomfred, Schuettea scalaripinnis
Erik Schlögl © Erik Schlögl

Alternative Name/s

Ladder-finned Pomfret

Identification

The Eastern Pomfred can be recognised by its body shape and colouration. It is silvery with a yellow back. The dorsal, caudal and anal fins are yellow. It has a dark bar at the rear of the head.

Size range

The species grows to 24 cm in length.

Similar Species

The Western Pomfred, Schuettea woodwardi, has a deeper body, taller fins, and has the yellow colouration restricted to the fins. This species is recorded in coastal waters from eastern South Australia to central Western Australia.

Distribution

The species is endemic to Australia, occurring from coastal marine waters of central Queensland to southern New South Wales.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Eastern Pomfred specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It is often observed during the day in large schools under sheltered, rocky ledges.

Classification

Species:
scalaripinnis
Genus:
Schuettea
Family:
Monodactylidae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. 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.
  2. Kuiter, R.H. 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. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  5. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags fishes, ichthyology, Monodactylidae, Eastern Pomfred, Schuettea scalaripinnis,