Site navigation

ANIMAL SPECIES:Reef Ocean Perch, Helicolenus percoides (Richardson, 1842)

Add comment Add tags

The Reef Ocean Perch can be recognised by its notched dorsal fin, large pectoral fins and its colouration. The species occurs in depths between 80 m and 350 m, in temperate marine waters of Australia and New Zealand.

Identification

The Reef Ocean Perch can be recognised by its notched dorsal fin, large pectoral fins and its colouration. The body is usually orangish to white with two branched bands laterally and small dark spots on the head.

All species in the genus Helicolenus have a low spineless ridge (the suborbital stay) running horizontally below the eye.

Size range

The Reef Ocean Perch grows to 30 cm in length.

Similar Species

The Reef Ocean Perch looks similar to the deeper-dwelling Bigeye Ocean Perch, Helicolenus barathri. .

Distribution

The species is occurs in Australia and New Zealand,

In Australia it is known from central coast of New South Wales to southern Western Australia.

Habitat

The species is found in depths between 80 m and 350 m.

Living with us

Economic/social impacts

It is an important commercial species in southern marine waters of Australia.

Classification

Species:
percoides
Genus:
Helicolenus
Family:
Sebastidae
Order:
Scorpaeniformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Poss, S.G. 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.
  2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  5. Yearsley, G.K., Last, P.R. & R.D. Ward. 1999. Australian Seafood Handbook, an identification guide to domestic species. CSIRO Marine Research. Pp. 461.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 4 September 2009

Would you like to add a comment?

Sign up to add comments and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.

Forgotten your password?

Would you like to add a tag?

Sign up to add tags and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.

Forgotten your password?

what's on

Eyes in the Oasis
Wildlife Photographer of the Year

24 Dec 09 26 Apr 10

What's on calendar

Support us

Help us continue to provide quality research, education, community programs and exhibitions.

Donate now

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.