Animal Species:Redfish, Centroberyx affinis (Günther, 1859)

The Redfish has large eyes and an oblique mouth that extends back to the posterior margin of the eye.  The species is endemic to Australia.

Redfish, Centroberyx affinis

Redfish, Centroberyx affinis
Derek Morton © Derek Morton

Alternative Name/s

Eastern Nannygai, Golden Snapper, King Snapper, Koarea, Nannygai, Red Snapper, Red Squirrel-fish

Identification

The Redfish has a moderately deep, compressed body and a large head with serrated opercular and preopercular margins . It has large eyes and an oblique mouth that extends back to the posterior margin of the eye.

There is a single dorsal fin and an anal fin positioned on the lower margin of the body, opposite the soft rayed portion of the dorsal fin. The caudal fin is deeply forked.

Redfish are usually silvery-red with pale spots on the scales forming stripes.

Size range

The species grows to 51 cm in length.

Distribution

Redfish only found in south-eastern Australia and New Zealand. In Australia it is known from southern Queensland to northern Tasmania.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Redfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

The Redfish is mostly found in deep coastal and offshore waters. Juveniles sometimes enter estuaries.

Other behaviours and adaptations

The Redfish is a schooling species.

Classification

Species:
affinis
Genus:
Centroberyx
Family:
Berycidae
Suborder:
Beryciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
  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, Redfish, Nannygai, Centroberyx affinis, Berycidae,