ANIMAL SPECIES:Luderick, Girella tricuspidata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
The Luderick is a very common coastal species in New South Wales waters. The species name, tricuspidata, refers to its flattened three-cusped teeth.
Alternative Names/s
The species has also been called Blackfish.Identification
The Luderick can be recognised by its evenly arched dorsal and ventral profiles, small mouth and eye, large tail, and colour pattern. In marine waters it is bluish-grey, whereas in estuaries it is a darker grey to brown. it has 11 or 12 thin tapering bars on the side of the body, which fade to silvery below.
Size range
Adults grow to a maximum length of about 70 cm.Distribution
The Luderick is recorded from southern Queensland to central South Australia, including northern Tasmania. It is only rarely encountered, however, away from the east coast.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Luderick specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
Adults live in coastal and estuarine waters down to a depth of 20 m. They are often seen in large schools. Larvae are found in estuaries primarily in seagrass beds and also in rockpools. Juveniles move into mangrove-lined creeks and estuaries during their first year.
The species is commonly seen by divers and snorkelers in shallow rocky reef areas.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
Luderick feed mainly on algae which they graze off rocks or floating material.
Life cycle
The species breeds offshore and the juveniles move into the sea grass beds in estuaries. After a few months the young fish move back to the sea or in deeper parts of estuaries.
Living with us
Economic/social impacts
The Luderick is a popular angling species in New South Wales.
Classification
- Species:
- tricuspidata
- Genus:
- Girella
- Family:
- Kyphosidae
- Order:
- Perciformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Kuiter, R.H. in Gomon, M.F, C.J.M. Glover & 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. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
Would you like to add a comment?
Sign up to add comments and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
Would you like to add a tag?
Sign up to add tags and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
A Luderick at Bass Point View full size
Sascha Schulz
© Sascha Schulz
what's on
Egyptian Treasures: art of the pharaohs
13 Sep 09 – 06 Dec 09
Discover the significance of art in ancient Egypt through the eyes of Ramose, a young apprentice learning ancient secrets from a master craftsman. Explore over 250 stunning artefacts from exquisitely decorated coffins, hieroglyphs, mummies, jewellery, bowls and much more. Some objects are on display as a world first!
Level G, Special Exhibition Space
Support us
Help us continue to provide quality research, education, community programs and exhibitions.
Online Shop
Featuring a selection of products relating to the collections.
Australian Museum Members
Join today to come to the Museum for free and enjoy many other benefits.
AMBS
Australian Museum Business Services - Ecological, archaeological and heritage consulting.
Museum as a Venue
We have many unique venues ideal for dinner, cocktails, weddings and conferences.