Threadfin Pearl Perch, Glaucosoma magnificum (Ogilby, 1915)
Scientific name: Glaucosoma magnificum
Click to enlarge image
A Threadfin Pearl Perch at a depth of 15m, Ningaloo Reef off Exmouth, Western Australia, 25 April 2009.
Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Glaucosoma
- Species
- magnificum
- Family
- Glaucosomatidae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- Maximum total length of 32 cm, although more commonly to 20 cm.
Introduction
The Threadfin Pearl Perch has a band through the eye and elongate dorsal fin filaments. It is an Australian endemic species.
Identification
The Threadfin Pearl Perch can be recognised by its silvery body and vertical dark bands through the eye, along the edge of the preoperculum and from the nape to the pectoral fin base.
A school of Threadfin Pearl Perch in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia, 22 May 2008.
Image: John Fergusson
© John Fergusson
© John Fergusson
Habitat
Coastal waters near reefs, often schooling in depths between 8 m and 10 m.
Distribution
The species is endemic to Australia, occurring from the central coast of Western Australia to Cape York, Queensland.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Feeding and diet
The diet consists of invertebrates such as squid and cuttlefish.
References
- Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
- McKay, R.J. 1997. FAO Species Catalogue. Volume 17. Pearl Perches of the World (family Glaucosomatidae). An annotated and illustrated catalogue of the pearl perches known to date. Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. Rome. Pp. 26.
