NORTH COAST IDENTIFICATION GUIDE Ben M. Rome and Stephen J. Newman

Department of 3rd floor SGIO Atrium 168-170 St George’s Terrace WA 6000 Telephone (08) 9482 7333 Facsimile (08) 9482 7389 Website: www.fish.wa.gov.au ABN: 55 689 794 771

Published by Department of Fisheries, Perth, Western . Fisheries Occasional Publications No. 80, September 2010. ISSN: 1447 - 2058 ISBN: 1 921258 90 X Information about this guide

he intention of the North Coast Fish Identification Guide is to provide a simple, Teasy to use manual to assist commercial, recreational, charter and customary fishers to identify the most commonly caught marine finfish in the North Coast Bioregion. This guide is not intended to be a comprehensive taxonomic fish ID guide for all species. It is anticipated that this guide will assist fishers in providing a more comprehensive species level description of their catch and hence assist scientists and managers in understanding any variation in the species composition of catches over both spatial and temporal scales. Fish is a dynamic and evolving field. Advances in molecular analytical techniques are resolving many of the relationships and inter-relationships among species, genera and families of . In this guide, we have used and adopted the latest taxonomic nomenclature. Any changes to fish taxonomy will be updated and revised in subsequent editions. The North Coast Bioregion extends from the Ashburton River near Onslow to the border. Within this region there is a diverse range of habitats from creeks, rivers, offshore islands, systems to and slope waters. These habitats provide abundant living space for a variety of marine and freshwater species. This fish identification guide includes nearshore, estuarine, pelagic, oceanic and deep slope fish species that are common to these ecological zones. Although most species occur widely across the Indo-West Pacific region, the fish photographed for this guide were caught in Western Australian waters, predominantly in the North Coast Bioregion. They should therefore show any subtle variations peculiar to this region. Fish have been grouped into their respective families and identified down to the species level. Australian Standard common names have been used. Information about size, distribution and the common habitats for each species has been compiled. Other common names or synonyms, which are often used by the industry and fish markets, have also been included. Photos are not to scale and the distinguishing features of each fish are highlighted in to help fishers identify individual fish to species level. For some species both adult and have been included to demonstrate the changes that occur over their life history.

Information about this guide i Contents

Fish body parts and markings...... vii

Glossary...... viii

Cods and – Family Epinephelidae...... 1 Peacock rockcod argus...... 1 Golden rockcod Cephalopholis aurantia...... 1 Garish rockcod Cephalopholis igarashiensis...... 2 Coral rockcod Cephalopholis miniata...... 2 Tomato rockcod ...... 3 Cromileptes altivelis...... 3 Banded amblycephalus...... 4 Yellow spotted rockcod Epinephelus areolatus...... 4 Frostback rockcod Epinephelus bilobatus...... 5 Duskytail grouper Epinephelus bleekeri...... 5 Brown spotted rockcod Epinephelus chlorostigma...... 6 Gold spotted rockcod Epinephelus coioides...... 6 Flowery rockcod Epinephelus fuscoguttatus...... 7 Blackspotted rockcod Epinephelus malabaricus...... 7 Netfin grouper Epinephelus miliaris...... 8 Epinephelus morrhua...... 8 Rankin cod Epinephelus multinotatus...... 9 Dotdash grouper Epinephelus poecilonotus...... 9 Epinephelus polyphekadion...... 10 Radiant rockcod Epinephelus radiatus...... 10 Chinaman rockcod ...... 11 Sixbar grouper Epinephelus sexfasciatus...... 11 Blackdotted grouper Epinephelus stictus...... 12 Epinephelus tukula...... 12 Eightbar grouper octofasciatus...... 13 Passionfruit coral trout areolatus...... 14 Bluespotted coral trout ...... 15 Common coral trout Plectropomus leopardus ...... 16 Barcheeked coral trout Plectropomus maculatus...... 16 Vermicular cod Plectropomus oligacanthus...... 17 Saloptia powelli...... 17

ii Contents White edge coronation trout albimarginata...... 18 Yellow edge coronation trout Variola louti...... 18

Emperors – Family ...... 19 Swallowtail seabream Gymnocranius elongatus...... 19 Robinson’s seabream Gymnocranius grandoculis...... 19 Yellowtail emperor atkinsoni...... 20 Orangespotted emperor Lethrinus erythracanthus...... 20 Longfin emperor Lethrinus erythropterus...... 21 Grass emperor Lethrinus laticaudis...... 21 Redspot emperor Lethrinus lentjan...... 22 Redthroat emperor Lethrinus miniatus...... 22 Spangled emperor Lethrinus nebulosus...... 23 Longnose emperor Lethrinus olivaceus...... 23 Bluespotted emperor Lethrinus punctulatus...... 24 Drab emperor Lethrinus ravus...... 24 Spotcheek emperor Lethrinus rubrioperculatus...... 25 Yellowlip emperor Lethrinus xanthochilus...... 25 seabream Wattsia mossambica...... 26

Snappers and Seaperches – Family ...... 27 Rusty jobfish Aphareus rutilans...... 27 Green jobfish Aprion virescens...... 27 Ruby snapper carbunculus...... 28 Flame snapper Etelis coruscans...... 28 Pale ruby snapper Etelis radiosus...... 29 Tang’s snapper Lipocheilus carnolabrum...... 29 Mangrove jack argentimaculatus...... 30 Indonesian snapper Lutjanus bitaeniatus...... 31 Red bass Lutjanus bohar...... 31 Moluccan snapper Lutjanus boutton...... 32 Stripey snapper Lutjanus carponotatus...... 32 Crimson snapper ...... 33 Paddletail Lutjanus gibbus...... 33 Bluestriped snapper Lutjanus kasmira...... 34 Darktail snapper Lutjanus lemniscatus...... 35

Contents iii Golden snapper Lutjanus johnii...... 35 Saddletail snapper Lutjanus malabaricus...... 36 Fiveline snapper Lutjanus quinquelineatus...... 36 Maori snapper Lutjanus rivulatus...... 37 Moses snapper Lutjanus russelli...... 37 Red emperor ...... 38 Brownstripe snapper Lutjanus vitta...... 39 Saddleback snapper Paracaesio kusakarii...... 39 Cocoa snapper Paracaesio stonei...... 40 Ornate snapper argyrogrammicus...... 40 Goldflag snapper Pristipomoides auricilla...... 41 Rosy snapper Pristipomoides filamentosus...... 41 Goldband snapper Pristipomoides multidens...... 42 Lavender snapper Pristipomoides sieboldii...... 42 Sharptooth snapper Pristipomoides typus...... 43 Oblique-banded snapper Pristipomoides zonatus...... 43 Chinaman fish Symphorus nematophorus...... 44

Trevallies – Family ...... 45 Onion trevally caeruleopinnatus...... 45 Carangoides chrysophrys...... 45 Goldspotted trevally Carangoides fulvoguttatus...... 46 tille...... 46 Gnathanodon speciosus...... 47 Amberjack Seriola dumerili...... 47 Highfin amberjack Seriola rivoliana...... 48

Wrasses – Family Labridae...... 49 Humphead Maori Cheilinus undulatus...... 49 Goldspot pigfish Bodianus perditio...... 50 Bluespotted tuskfish Choerodon cauteroma...... 50 Choerodon cyanodus...... 51 Choerodon schoenleinii...... 51 Eyebrow tuskfish Choerodon zamboangae...... 52

iv Contents – Family Scaridae...... 53 Bluebarred parrotfish Scarus ghobban...... 53

Seabreams – Family Sparidae...... 54 Frypan bream Argyrops spinifer...... 54 Yellowback bream Dentex tumifrons...... 54

Other Important Commercial Species...... 55 Lined javelinfish Hapalogenys kishinouyei...... 55 Painted sweetlip Diagramma labiosum...... 55 Northern pearl Glaucosoma buergeri...... 56 pearl perch Glaucosoma magnificum...... 56 Monocle bream monogramma...... 57 Rosy furcosus...... 57 Brown sweetlips Plectorhinchus gibbosus...... 58 Lunartail bigeye Priacanthus hamrur...... 58 Purplespotted bigeye Priacanthus tayenus...... 59 Cobia Rachycentron canadum...... 59 John dory Zeus faber...... 60

Important Commercial Near-shore Species...... 61 Western yellowfin bream Acanthopagrus latus...... 61 Northwest black bream Acanthopagrus palmaris...... 61 Silver cobbler Arius midgleyi...... 62 Blue threadfin Eleutheronema tetradactylum...... 62 Barramundi Lates calcarifer...... 63 Tripletail surinamensis...... 63 King threadfin macrochir...... 64 Barred javelin Pomadasys kaakan...... 64 Black jewfish Protonibea diacanthus...... 65 Giant queenfish Scomberoides commersonnianus...... 65

Pelagic Species...... 66 Wahoo Acanthocybium solandri...... 66 Dogtooth Gymnosarda unicolor...... 66 Spanish Scomberomorus commerson...... 67 Spotted mackerel Scomberomorus munroi...... 67

Contents v School mackerel Scomberomorus queenslandicus...... 68 Grey mackerel Scomberomorus semifasciatus...... 68 Great barracuda Sphyraena barracuda...... 69 Yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares...... 69 Longtail tuna Thunnus tonggol...... 70

Reference...... 71

Index of common names...... 72

vi Contents Fish body parts and markings

Dorsal

upper lobe snout Anterior Posterior upper caudal fin

lower jaw

pectoral fin anal fin lower lobe Ventral

bar blotches

dots saddle blotch

spots

Fish body parts and markings vii Glossary

Anal fin the fin located on the belly behind the anus Anterior situated more to the front end of the fish Concave used to describe the curved shape of the caudal fin Caudal fin the back end tail fin Dorsal fin are the fins that run along the back (on top) of the fish Elongate extended in length Lateral line is a sensory canal system, can be identified by a series of specialised scales which run along side the fish’s body Lunate shaped like a crescent moon(refers to the shape of the caudal fin) Lobe refers to the roundish projection or division of an organ Longitudinal running the length of the body from the head to tail Operculum cover consisting of opercule and preopercle bones Oblique refers to bars or lines on a fish, which are not straight or parallel, instead are slanting or sloping Pectoral fin are paired fins located on the sides of the fish behind the gill openings Pelvic fins are the paired fins located ventrally on the fish below the pectoral fins Posterior towards the tail end or rear of the body Protrusion refers to a part of the body which sticks out Radiating to spread or disperse from a central point Reticulate refers to a network of lines over the body of a fish Snout the part of the head in front of the eye (snout runs from the from the upper lip to the anterior edge of the eye) Thorax chest area Total length measured from nose to tip of tail Truncate used to describe a mainly straight posterior edge of the caudal fin

viii Glossary and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae

Peacock rockcod a

d

c b e

Distinguishing features: (a) Body colour is Distribution: Relatively limited distribution dark brown to black becoming yellowish brown in . Found mainly on the towards the caudal fin (b) contains bright blue offshore emerged systems of north or purple dark edged spots over the entire Western Australia i.e. Rowley Shoals, Scott body (c) there is a whitish patch in front of the Reef and Ashmore Reef. pectoral fin (d) caudal fin is lunate with a white Habitat: Found in a variety of coral reef margin (e) at the posterior end of the body five habitats usually within 10 metre of reef to six dark bars run laterally on the body. but can be found in depths of up to 40 m. Other common names: Peacock cod, Inhabits areas near coral thickets and on the Peacock hind. edge of the reef slope. Size: Maximum total length is 50 cm.

Golden rockcod Cephalopholis aurantia b

c

a

Distinguishing features: (a) Body is orange to Distribution: A relatively rare species in yellow (b) yellow or white dots are visible on Australia found only on remote coral atolls the head and body (c) anal fin and caudal fin and reef systems off north Western Australia. have a narrow pale blue margin. Habitat: Found on the deep reef slopes in a Size: Maximum total length is approximately depth generally below 100 m. 50 cm.

Cods and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae 1 Garish rockcod Cephalopholis igarashiensis

b

c

a

Distinguishing features: (a) Body reddish Distribution: A very rare species in Western orange (b) contains seven bright yellow bands Australia, found in deep reef areas such as on the side of the body (c) yellow bands Rowley Shoals and Scott Reef. radiating from the eye. Juveniles are more Habitat: A deep water grouper found on the yellow and contain a large dark spot on the outer reef slope between a depth range of posterior end of the dorsal fin. 80 to 250 m. Size: Maximum total length is 43 cm.

Coral rockcod Cephalopholis miniata b

c a

Distinguishing features: (a) Body can vary Distribution: In Western Australia found from bright red to red brown (b) bright blue from Abrolhos Islands northwards to spots visible over entire body (c) pectoral Northern Territory border. fins contains a yellow edge. Habitat: Usually found in caves or crevices Other common names: Coral cod. on well-developed coral reef systems. Size: Maximum total length is 45 cm. Often gets incorrectly identified as a coral trout due to similar colouration.

2 Cods and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae Tomato rockcod Cephalopholis sonnerati a

c

d b

Distinguishing Features: (a) Body can vary Size: Maximum total length recorded is from being bright red orange to reddish brown 58 cm and of 2.2 kg. (b) white blotches can be found over the Distribution: In Western Australia found from entire body (c) caudal fin is rounded (d) red Bay to Northern Territory border. dots are more pronounced on the head. Habitat: Typically found in a coral and rock Other Common Names: Tomato cod. reefs in depths ranging from 30 to 100 m.

Barramundi cod Cromileptes altivelis

d a

b c

Distinguishing features: (a) Body is very Distribution: In Western Australia found from similar in shape to barramundi Lates calcarifer, Shark Bay to Northern Territory border. contains a small head and a humped back Habitat: Usually found in caves and crevices (b) body colour is greyish brown (c) contains of well-developed coral reefs and in soft and dark spots over entire body (d) soft dorsal and broken reef areas. caudal fin have a yellow margin. Size: Maximum total length is 70 cm.

Cods and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae 3 Banded grouper Epinephelus amblycephalus

b

c a

Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains five Size: Maximum total length is 50 cm. distinct dark bars over the body and tail plus Distribution: In Western Australia found from similar patch on nape (b) dorsal and caudal Shark Bay to the Northern Territory border. fin have yellow margins (c) also has distinct Habitat: Found on coral and rocky reefs in yellow marking above upper jaw. depths from 50 to 150 m. Other Common Names: Small-banded cod, banded cod.

Yellow spotted rockcod Epinephelus areolatus

b

a

Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains a Size: Maximum total length up to 50 cm. dense pattern of large round yellow/brown Distribution: In Western Australia found spots on body (b) caudal fin is truncate with from Shark Bay northwards to the Northern a distinct white margin, does not contain Territory border. dark blotches on the dorsal ridge of the body Habitat: Inhabits coral and rocky reef as found in Epinephelus bilobatus. systems. Can be found in a range of depths Other common names: Spotted cod, up to 200 m. honeycomb cod.

4 Cods and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae Frostback rockcod Epinephelus bilobatus

a

b c

Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains Size: Maximum total length up to 40 cm. distinct dark blotches on the dorsal ridge Distribution: Endemic to Western Australia of the body (b) contains a dense pattern found from Shark Bay to the Northern of gold-brown spots over entire body Territory border. (c) caudal fin is lunate, similar in Habitat: Found in coral reefs and rocky appearance to Epinepehlus areolatus. bottoms in depths ranging from 4 to 80 m. Other Common Names: Spotted cod, honeycomb cod, frostback cod.

Duskytail grouper Epinephelus bleekeri c

b

a

Distinguishing features: (a) Gold brown Size: Maximum total length of 76 cm. spots are visible over entire body (b) gold/ Distribution: In Western Australia found orange spots are found on the upper third from Shark Bay northwards to the Northern of the caudal fin and are not visible on the Territory border. lower two thirds of the caudal fin (c) body Habitat: Occurs on coral and rocky reef brownish often faint dark bars are visible on systems in depths ranging from 30 to 100 m. the body of the fish. Other common names: Spotted trout, trout cod.

Cods and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae 5 Brown spotted rockcod Epinephelus chlorostigma

b

a

Distinguishing features: (a) Caudal fin Distribution: A relatively rare species in contains a white margin (b) head, body and Western Australia found only on offshore fins contain a dense matrix of brown spots. coral reef systems such as Rowley Shoals Other Common Names: Brown spotted and Scott Reef. grouper, honeycomb cod. Habitat: Inhabits and rubble Size: Maximum total length is 75 cm. seabeds near or adjacent to coral reef waters to depths up to 200 m.

Gold spotted rockcod Epinephelus coioides

a

b c

Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains dusky Size: Maximum total length of 130 cm. or orange spots over head and upper body Distribution: In Western Australia found from (b) has six indistinct broad cross bands Shark Bay to the Northern Territory border. which run across the back of the body Habitat: Juveniles live in and (c) fins are variegated in browns and yellows. . Mature adults migrate out of Frequently misidentified as Epinephelus mangroves and into near-shore and outer malabaricus and Epinephelus tauvina. reef systems. Can be found in depths up Other Common Names: Goldspotted to 120 m. rockcod, cod, slimy cod.

6 Cods and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae Flowery rockcod Epinephelus fuscoguttatus

a d b c

Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains a Size: Maximum total length up to 100 cm. distinct hump on the head (b) eye is very Distribution: From the Dampier Archipelago small (c) contains a dark black band at northwards to the Northern Territory border. the base of the caudal fin (d) body is pale Habitat: Inhabits coral and rocky reef waters brown with irregular brown blotches (flowers), to depths of 60 m. often gets confused with Epinephelus polyphekadion. Other Common Names: Flowery cod.

Blackspotted rockcod Epinephelus malabaricus b

a

Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains dark Distribution: In Western Australia found from brown or black spots (b) irregular white Shark Bay to the Northern Territory border. blotches over body. Often gets confused with Habitat: Juveniles found in estuaries and Epinephelus coioides. among mangroves. Mature adults migrate Other Common Names: Estuary cod, slimy towards nearshore and outer reef systems to cod, malabar cod. depths up to 120 m. Size: Maximum total length up to 130 cm.

Cods and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae 7 Netfin grouper Epinephelus miliaris

a

c b Distinguishing features: (a) Body contains a Distribution: A relatively rare species in dense pattern of polygonal brown/yellowish Western Australia. Found near oceanic brown spots (b) on the caudal, pectoral islands and offshore coral reef systems off and anal fins the spots are much larger and north Western Australia. darker than those found on the body Habitat: Epinephelus miliaris lives in a variety (c) often four to five oblique dark bars are of habitats ranging from seagrass beds, visible on the body. mangrove estuaries to coral reef systems. Size: Maximum total length is 50 cm. Found in depths up to 180 m.

Comet grouper Epinephelus morrhua

a

b

Distinguishing Features: (a) Body is greyish Other Common Names: Comet cod. brown, contains singled lined oblique Size: Maximum total length up to 90 cm. bands running from the snout to the upper Distribution: Shark Bay northwards extending body. These lines are curved and run more into the Northern Territory. Also found on horizontally than the similar looking radiant oceanic islands and outer coral reef systems. rockcod Epinephelus radiatus (b) no spots are visible between these bands.

8 Cods and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae Rankin cod Epinephelus multinotatus

a

b

Distinguishing Features: (a) Head and body Distribution: Epinephelus mulitnotatus is found are black-grey (b) contains irregular white only in Western Australian waters from the blotches over the entire body, these fade Abrolhos Islands northwards to Cape Leveque. with age/size. Habitat: Inhabits coral reefs and deeper Size: Maximum total length up to 100 cm. offshore waters. Can be found in depths up to 150 m.

Dotdash grouper Epinephelus poecilonotus a

c

b

Distinguishing features: (a) In juvenile fish Distribution: Epinephelus poecilonotus is a dark spots and bands are clearly visible on relatively rare species in Western Australia the head and body. In adult fish the dark found only in oceanic coral reef systems and bands fade and the spots become less outer reef atolls. visible (b) caudal fin contains a light blue Habitat: This is a deep water species margin (c) fins are yellowish/brown. generally found in depths ranging from 50 Size: Maximum total length is 65 cm and to 350 m. weight of 4 kg.

Cods and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae 9 Camouflage grouper Epinephelus polyphekadion

a

b

Distinguishing features: (a) Contains a Size: Maximum size total length up to 90 cm. distinct dark blotch on the base of the tail Distribution: Exmouth northwards across to (b) body colour is predominantly brown with the Northern Territory border. white patches exhibits a dense pattern of Habitat: Inhabits coral reefs, either in small dark spots often forming patches. Often or on the outer reef. Particularly gets confused with Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, common in outer coral reef systems and but different head profile and different pattern oceanic atolls. of blotches on its body. Other Common Names: Camouflage cod.

Radiant rockcod Epinephelus radiatus b

a

Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains five Size: Maximum total length up to 70 cm. distinct brownish olive broad radiating bands Distribution: In Western Australia found from on the head and body (b) small dark brown Shark Bay to the Northern Territory border. spots are visible between these bands. Habitat: Inhabits deep coastal waters over Often gets confused with comet grouper seabeds of rubble and coral in depth ranging Epinephelus morrhua. from 80 to 350 m. Other Common Names: Radiant cod.

10 Cods and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae Chinaman rockcod Epinephelus rivulatus a

c d b

Distinguishing Features: (a) Body red to Size: Maximum total length up to 46 cm. brown (b) contains irregular oblique brown Distribution: Widely distributed in Western bars on side of body (c) each body scale Australia found from has a small white dot creating a peppered northwards to Broome. appearance (d) large reddish blotch on base Habitat: Occur on rocky bottoms which of the pectoral fin. contain caves, crevices or coral reefs in Other Common Names: Chinaman cod, depths up to 150 m. charlie court.

Sixbar grouper Epinephelus sexfasciatus

b

a c Distinguishing features: (a) Body is pale Other common names: Six banded cod. greyish brown contains six distinct dark bars Size: Maximum total length up to 30 cm. five on the body and one on the nape Distribution: In Western Australia found from (b) dark spots are visible on the caudal, Exmouth Gulf to the Northern Territory border. soft dorsal and anal fins (c) pectoral fins are greyish or dusky orange, ventral parts of the Habitat: Usually found on sandy or muddy head can sometimes be pale reddish brown. bottoms at depth ranging from 10 to 80 m.

Cods and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae 11 Blackdotted grouper Epinephelus stictus b e

d a c

Distinguishing features: (a) Body is light Size: Maximum total length up to 41 cm. brown on the dorsal surface (b) contains Distribution: In Western Australia found from small dark brown/gold spots on the dorsal Exmouth Gulf to the Northern Territory border. surface (c) five faint oblique bars present on Habitat: Epinephelus stictus is a deep water the body (d) the chest and ventral parts of species found on mud and sand bottoms in the head are reddish orange (e) soft dorsal depth of 60 to 150 m. fins and caudal fin have a dark brown margin.

Potato grouper Epinephelus tukula b

a Distinguishing features: (a) Body is pale Other Common Names: potato cod. brownish grey (b) contains large dark Size: Epinephelus tukula is one of the largest blotches, which can be round or oval in grouper species known and can reach up to shape. These dark blotches are also present 200 cm total length. on the fins and become smaller towards the Distribution: In Western Australia found from posterior edge of the fish. This species is Exmouth Gulf to the Northern Territory border. protected in Western Australia under the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 and should Habitat: Inhabits coral reef systems, lives be returned to the water upon capture. near caves or crevices. Depth range is from 10 to 150 m.

12 Cods and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae Eightbar grouper Hyporthodus octofasciatus b

c

a

Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains eight Distribution: This species has a wide distinct brown to black cross bands over distribution in Western Australia ranging the body (b) dorsal, anal and pelvic fins are from near the South Australia border to the blackish brown (c) contains a faint brown Northern Territory border. band from the eye to the operculum. Habitat: Hyporthodus octofasciatus is a deep Other Common Names: Eight-bar cod, grey- water species which lives in depths ranging banded cod. from 100 to 300 m. Size: Maximum size total length up to 100 cm.

Cods and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae 13 Passionfruit coral trout Plectropomus areolatus

Distinguishing features: (a) Contains blue Distribution: Limited distribution in spots with dark margins over entire body Western Australia; can be found on outer including the ventral surface (b) caudal fin coral reef systems and coral atolls off north is truncate (c) dorsal, anal and caudal fins Western Australia such as Rowley Shoals contain a white margin. and Scott Reef. Other Common Names: Squaretailed Habitat: Plectropomus areolatus inhabits coral trout. coral reef waters in lagoons and on the outer Size: Maximum total length is 70 cm. reef slopes at depths ranging 2 to 30 m.

14 Cods and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae Bluespotted coral trout Plectropomus laevis

Distinguishing features: There are two Other Common Names: Footballer coral variations in colour in this species. One form trout, chinese footballer cod. is light yellow whitish in colour and contains Size: Plectropomus laevis is one of the five black or brown blotches or vertical bars largest species in the Plectropomus . on the upper surface. Dark edged blue spots Maximum total length is 125 cm and a are visible on the pectoral fins and posterior weight of 18 kg. end of the fish. The darker form can be red, Distribution: Found only in Western Australia olive or even black, contains dark edged blue on the outer coral reef atolls such as Rowley spots on the upper surface of the fish and on Shoals and Scott Reef. the pectoral fin. Caudal fin is slightly lunate in shape. Habitat: Inhabits coral reef systems of depths of up to 90 m.

Cods and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae 15 Common coral trout Plectropomus leopardus

c a

b d Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains Other Common Names: Leopard coral trout. a distinct blue ring around the eye (b) Size: Maximum total length up to 70 cm. translucent pectoral fin (c) distinct small Distribution: Limited distribution in Western blue spots over head and body, except under Australia, mainly found on offshore reef the belly and thorax (d) body colour can vary systems and coral atolls such as Abrolhos from bright red to dark reddish brown, often Islands and Scott Reef. gets misidentified as bar-cheeked coral trout Plectropomus maculatus. Habitat: Occurs on coral reef systems at depths ranging up to 100 m.

Barcheeked coral trout Plectropomus maculatus a

Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains blue Distribution: Plectropomus maculatus is the spots, some of which are horizontally elongate most widely distributed of the group and can on head and operculum. Often misidentified be found along the continental shelf from as Plectropomus leopardus, however the blue northwards across to the Northern spots found on this species are elongated, Territory border. and the pectoral fin is not translucent. Habitat: Inhabits coral reef systems in depth Other common names: coral trout. range up to 100 m. Size: Maximum total length up to 90 cm and weight of 25 kg.

16 Cods and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae Vermicular cod Plectropomus oligacanthus b

a

d

c

Distinguishing features: (a) Head contains Size: Maximum total length up to 60 cm. bright blue or purple lines (b) the middle part Distribution: Plectropomus oligacanthus is of the fish contains short bars (c) posterior a relatively rare species in north Western end of the fish contains blue or purple spots Australia only present at Scott Reef and (d) the soft dorsal and anal fins are relatively Seringapatam Reef. tall and high. Habitat: Inhabits isolated offshore coral reef Other Common Names: Highfin coral trout. systems in depths up to 50 m.

Golden grouper Saloptia powelli

a b

c

Distinguishing features: (a) Top of the head Distribution: A very rare species only found is red (b) body is bright yellow to orange on offshore coral reef systems off the north becoming white or pink ventrally (c) caudal, west of Western Australia. dorsal and anal fins are yellow with white Habitat: Saloptia powelli is a deep water margin. This species is closely related to the species found on coral or rocky reefs in shallow water coral trout genus Plectropomus. depths ranging from 140 to 350 m. Size: Maximum total length up to 47 cm.

Cods and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae 17 White edge coronation trout Variola albimarginata c

a

b Distinguishing features: (a) Contains a Size: Maximum total length up to 60 cm distinctive lunar caudal fin with a narrow and weight of 3 kg. white margin (b) body is deep red orange Distribution: Variola albimarginata is a (c) contains a network of red spots and relatively rare species found offshore coral yellow lines on the head and body. reefs from Shark Bay across the Northern Other Common Names: White edged Territory border. lyretail trout, coronation trout. Habitat: Occurs mainly on coral reef or rocky substrate bottom in depths ranging up to 200 m.

Yellow edge coronation trout Variola louti a

b

Distinguishing features: (a) Often gets Size: Maximum total length is 81 cm and misidentified as Variola albimarginata but weight of 5.5 kg. the caudal fin, pelvic, pectoral fin and the Distribution: Variola louti can be found from posterior end of the soft dorsal and anal fins the Abrolhos Islands north to the Northern have a yellow margin (b) body is orange-red Territory border. yellow with many small yellow spots Habitat: Inhabits shallow and deep offshore Other common names: Coronation trout, coral reefs and rocky seabeds in depths up lunartail trout. to 100 m.

18 Cods and Groupers – Family Epinephelidae Emperors – Family Lethrinidae

Swallowtail seabream Gymnocranius elongatus

b a

c

d Distinguishing features: (a) Can be Size: Maximum total length is 35 cm. distinguished by a deeply forked caudal fin Distribution: Can be found in coastal and (b) exhibits faint indistinct dark bars, which offshore waters from Shark Bay to Northern run laterally along the body (c) caudal fin is Territory border. orange-yellow and contains a thin red margin Habitat: Inhabits sandy bottoms and trawling (d) body colour is silver sometimes with grounds usually at depths between 50 to scattered dark brown spots or blotches on 100 m. the side of the fish.

Robinson’s seabream Gymnocranius grandoculis b

c a

d

Distinguishing Features: (a) Distinct Size: Maximum total length up to 80 cm undulating blue lines and spots on snout, most common to 50 cm total length. cheek and operculum (b) body is generally Distribution: Widely distributed in Western golden brown yellow (c) fins are orange-yellow Australia from Rottnest Island to Northern (d) caudal fins contain an orange margin. Territory border. Other common names: Robinson’s bream, Habitat: Inhabits offshore rocky bottoms and Robinson’s perch. trawling grounds usually at depths between 50 to 140 m.

Emperors – Family Lethrinidae 19 Yellowtail emperor Lethrinus atkinsoni

b c e

d

a Distinguishing features: (a) The base of the Size: Maximum total length up to 50 cm. caudal fin is yellowish orange (b) sometimes Distribution: In Western Australia found an indistinct orange/yellow band can extend from the Abrolhos Islands northwards to the laterally along the side of body (c) the Northern Territory border. caudal fin is yellow with a red margin (d) the Habitat: Inhabits coral reefs, outer reef top lip is red (e) contains a relatively steep slopes, sandy areas in lagoons and on forehead profile. seagrass beds in depths up to 50 m.

Orangespotted emperor Lethrinus erythracanthus

b

d

a c

Distinguishing Features: (a) Body is Size: Maximum total length up to 80 cm. deep, body colour is brown, dark grey, with Distribution: In Western Australia found indistinct scattered small dark and light on offshore atoll reef systems such as stripes (b) small orange spots are visible Rowley Shoals. on the body and the head (c) pectoral, anal, Habitat: Inhabits deep lagoons and channels dorsal and caudal fins are bright orange of coral reef systems and outer reef slopes (d) contain thick fleshy lips which are bright in depths up to 120 m. orange or red.

20 Emperors – Family Lethrinidae Longfin emperor Lethrinus erythropterus

d

b e

c

a

Distinguishing features: (a) The colour is Size: Maximum total length up to 50 cm. bright red rusty in the upper part of body Distribution: Lethrinus erythropterus is found above lateral line becoming whiter towards only on offshore coral reef systems off the the ventral surface (b) broad red bar or line north west of Western Australia. radiates from the eye to tip of the snout Habitat: A relatively shallow water species, (c) upper lip and base of the pectoral fin is inhabits coral reefs and sandy bottom areas red (d) fins are reddish orange (e) two or up to depths 25 m. three light bars near base of caudal fin.

Grass emperor Lethrinus laticaudis

a

c

b

Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains Size: Maximum total length up to 80 cm and distinct blue lines which radiate from the a weight of 6 kg. eye do not extend to cheek (b) body is often Distribution: Lethrinus laticaudis is widely brown or black with irregular dark blotches, distributed in Western Australia from Shark which can often form indistinct bands Bay to the Northern Territory. across the body (c) contains small blue Habitat: Juveniles live around seagrass spots on cheek. beds, estuaries and mangroves, whilst Other Common Names: Black snapper, blue- adults are found mostly on nearshore rocky lined emperor, grass snapper. or coral reefs.

Emperors – Family Lethrinidae 21 Redspot emperor Lethrinus lentjan a

bc

Distinguishing features: (a) Body is greenish Size: Maximum size total length up to 50 cm. grey particularly on the upper surface Distribution: Widely distributed across becoming lighter towards the belly (b) pink or northern Australia from Exmouth Gulf to the red spot on base of pectoral fin (c) pink spot Northern Territory border. along the operculum gill cover. Habitat: Found on sandy bottoms adjacent to Other Common Names: Pink eared emperor. coral reefs in depths up to 120 m.

Redthroat emperor Lethrinus miniatus

c b a

e

d

Distinguishing Features: (a) Orange area Size: Maximum total length up to 90 cm. around eye (b) caudal and dorsal fins are Distribution: Truncated distribution across reddish (c) red streak is present on the northern Australia. In Western Australia, this upper operculum (d) red patch at the base species occurs from Geraldton to Karratha. of the pectoral fin (e) has red lips and bright Habitat: Inhabits coral or rocky reef areas red throat. can often be found on sandy rubble areas to Other common names: Sweetlip emperor. depths up to 150 m.

22 Emperors – Family Lethrinidae Spangled emperor Lethrinus nebulosus b

c

a

Distinguishing Features: (a) Body golden Distribution: Widely distributed across bronze (b) scales on the upper body contain northern Western Australia from Rottnest blue spots (c) blue bars or lines radiating Island northwards to the Northern Territory. from eyes over cheeks and snout. Habitat: Inhabits rocky and coral reef areas Other Common Names: North west snapper. to depths up to 120 m. Size: Maximum total length to around 90 cm.

Longnose emperor Lethrinus olivaceus

b

a

c d

Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains a Distribution: From Shark Bay northwards to distinct elongated pointed snout (b) greenish the Northern Territory border. or olive and dark brown blotches are present Habitat: Inhabits sandy coastal and coral over entire body (c) upper lip is often red reef areas occurring to depths of 185 m. (d) body is slender and relatively elongate. Size: Maximum total length up to 100 cm, commonly to 70 cm total length.

Emperors – Family Lethrinidae 23 Bluespotted emperor Lethrinus punctulatus

a b

c Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains red Size: Maximum total length up to 40 cm. margins on caudal, dorsal and pectoral fins Distribution: Widely distributed along the (b) head is brownish yellow and contains northwest coast from the Abrolhos Islands to blue spots. Blue banding less distinct than the Northern Territory. other related species Lethrinus nebulosus Habitat: Inhabits coral reefs, sand and and Lethrinus laticaudis (c) often contain a rubble areas as well as seagrass beds in series of nine to ten indistinct dark bars on depths up to 150 m. the side of body. Other Common names: Small north west snapper, grass emperor.

Drab emperor Lethrinus ravus

Distinguishing features: Often gets confused Size: Maximum total length up to 30 cm with Lethrinus rubrioperculatus due to its total length. similar shape, colour and pattern of small Distribution: In Western Australia found from spots on the body. Unlike the spot-cheek Ningaloo Reef northwards to the Northern emperor it lacks a red spot on the upper Territory border. operculum and the caudal fin is forked and Habitat: Inhabits sandy weedy areas in and contains dark stripes. Often also confused around rocky and coral reefs. with Lethrinus semilineatus. Other common names: Variegated emperor, bull nose snapper.

24 Emperors – Family Lethrinidae Spotcheek emperor Lethrinus rubrioperculatus a d f

e

c b Distinguishing features: (a) Body is slender Size: Maximum size total length recorded and elongated and contains small irregular 50 cm, commonly caught 30 cm total length. dark blotches (b) body is olive greyish brown Distribution: From Exmouth Gulf across north (c) red spot is visible on the upper operculum west Australia to the Northern Territory border. (gill cover),some fish have red lips (d) fins Habitat: Inhabits coral reefs and sandy are reddish pink (e) caudal fin is lunate rubble areas on outer reef slopes. Usually (f) contains a steep head profile. found in depths up to 160 m. Other Common Names: Spot cheek bream.

Yellowlip emperor Lethrinus xanthochilus c

a d

b Distinguishing features: (a) Lips of fish are Distribution: This species occurs on isolated yellow with the upper lip more pronounced offshore coral atolls reefs off north Western (b) there is a red spot and the upper base of Australia i.e. Rowley Shoals and Scott Reef. the pectoral fin (c) body is elongate yellowish Habitat: Inhabits sand and rubble areas grey with irregular dark blotches on the body of coral reef systems, deep channels (d) dorsal and caudal fins are reddish brown. and lagoons. Size: Maximum size up to 60 cm total length.

Emperors – Family Lethrinidae 25 Mozambique seabream Wattsia mossambica b

c

d

a

Distinguishing Features: (a) Body is Distribution: From Shark Bay northwards to relatively deep in shape, (b) the body has the Northern Territory border. indistinct dark blotches or bars (c) upper Habitat: A deepwater species which lives lip is yellow, (d) the margins of caudal, anal on the outer edge of the continental shelf in and dorsal fins are yellow. depths between 50 to 180 m. Other common names: Mozambique bream. Size: Maximum total length up to 55 cm. Commonly caught around 30 cm total length.

26 Emperors – Family Lethrinidae Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae

Rusty jobfish Aphareus rutilans b a

d

c e Distinguishing features: (a) Body is elongated Size: Maximum total length 150 cm. in shape (b) body colour is deep red or rusty Distribution: From Ningaloo Reef particularly above the lateral line becoming northwards to the Northern Territory border. silvery towards the ventral surface (c) lower Habitat: A deepwater species which inhabits jaw extends out further than the upper jaw offshore reefs and rocky bottoms to at least (d) caudal fin is deeply forked upper lobe of 100 m depth. the tail is longer than the bottom lobe (e) gill plates have a silver colouration.

Green jobfish Aprion virescens b

a c

Distinguishing features: (a) Body is Distribution: In Western Australia found elongated, colour is greenish – blue above from Ningaloo Reef northwards to the the lateral line becoming white or pale near Northern Territory border. the belly (b) dark spots are visible on the Habitat: Inhabits both coastal and offshore base of the dorsal fin (c) deep groove in waters, usually near rocky or coral reefs to front of eye. depths of 100 m. Size: Maximum total length to 110 cm and 15 kg.

Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae 27 Ruby snapper Etelis carbunculus

c a

b d

Distinguishing Features: (a) Body is Distribution: From Perth northwards across relatively robust and deep, bright reddish north Western Australia to the Northern pink becoming white on the lower sides Territory border. and belly (b) caudal fin is deeply forked the Habitat: A deep water species which lobes are relatively short compared to other inhabits deep seabeds of the continental species in the Etelis genus (c) head is small, shelf. Usually found between depths of 90 eyes are large (d) distinct canine teeth. to 300 m. Size: Maximum total length up to 130 cm.

Flame snapper Etelis coruscans

b d a

c

Distinguishing features: (a) body is Size: Maximum total length is up to 150 cm. slender and elongate, small head with big Distribution: From Perth northwards across eye (b) body colour deep red on the upper north Western Australia to the Northern body above the lateral line, becoming silvery Territory border. pink towards the belly (c) the tips of the Habitat: Inhabits deep continental shelf caudal fins are elongated to form filaments waters in depths ranging from 90 to 300 m. (d) the upper caudal lobe is more elongated than the lower lobe. Similar in appearance to Etelis radiosus and Etelis carbunculus, distinguished by elongated caudal fin.

28 Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae Pale ruby snapper Etelis radiosus

a b

Distinguishing features: (a) Body is long Size: Maximum total length up to 80 cm. and slender, pinkish red above lateral line, Distribution: From Ningaloo Reef northwards becoming lighter towards the ventral surface across northern Australia to Northern (b) head profile is less bluntly rounded than Territory border. Etelis carbunculus. Often gets misidentified Habitat: Inhabits deep continental shelf as Etelis carbunculus distinguished by lighter waters in depths ranging from 90 to 360 m. colour and more deeply forked caudal fin.

Tang’s snapper Lipocheilus carnolabrum

b

a

Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains a Distribution: From Shark Bay northwards distinct thick fleshy protrusion at the front across northern Australia to the Northern of the upper lip, (b) body is golden brown Territory border. particularly above the lateral line, the ventral Habitat: A deep water species which is part of the body is more silvery. found on rocky or rubble seabeds in depths Size: Maximum total length up to 60 cm. between 90 to 300 m.

Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae 29 Mangrove jack Lutjanus argentimaculatus

(a) Juvenile

(b) Adult

(a) Juvenile fish are generally greenish, Size: Maximum total length recorded is brown on the dorsal surface, deep red 120 cm. below the lateral line (b) Adult fish once Distribution: In Western Australia found from they leave the mangrove systems become Geraldton north to the Northern Territory. more reddish. Occasionally found south of Geraldton. Distinguishing Features: Body colour Habitat: Mangrove jacks spend their changes over their life cycle. Often gets juvenile phase in inshore environments confused with Lutjanus johnii which can be such as mangrove creeks, estuaries and distinguished by a dark mark on the back of nearshore reefs. At approximately five years the dorsal surface. of age fish migrate offshore to deepwater reefs (depths up to 150 m) and join the adult breeding stock.

30 Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae Indonesian snapper Lutjanus bitaeniatus a b c

Distinguishing features: (a) Body is relatively Size: Lutjanus bitaeniatus is a relatively small deep, short and robust (b) upper part of species, maximum total length to 30 cm. body is deep red becoming pinkish white Distribution: From Broome northwards to the towards the lower sides of body and belly Northern Territory border. (c) anterior ends of dorsal, pectoral and anal Habitat: Inhabits reef and rubble seabeds, fins with white tips or margins. usually found in depths up to 100 m. Other Common Names: Indonesian perch.

Red bass Lutjanus bohar a d c b

Distinguishing features: (a) Body is deep red Size: Maximum total length up to 75 cm. brownish above the lateral line becoming lighter Distribution: Widely distributed in Western red towards the ventral surface. (b) a deep pit Australia from Ningaloo Reef to the or groove runs from the eye to the snout Northern Territory. (c) dorsal, caudal and anal fins blackish on the Habitat: Inhabits coral and rocky reefs, depth posterior ends, pectoral fin deep red (d) head up to 150 m. profile smoothly rounded.

Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae 31 Moluccan snapper Lutjanus boutton a b d

c Distinguishing features: (a) Head and body Distribution: A relatively rare species in pinkish becoming whiter towards the belly. Western Australia, found mainly in outer (b) contains 10 to 12 yellowish orange offshore coral reef systems such as Rowley stripes on the body (c) contains a deep Shoals and Scott Reef. notch on rear margin of cheek (d) fins are Habitat: Inhabits coral reefs in depths up bright yellow. Often gets confused with to 100 m. Lutjanus carponotatus. Size: Maximum total length up to 30 cm.

Stripey snapper Lutjanus carponotatus b

c a

Distinguishing Features: (a) Body is Synonyms: Size: Maximum total length up to predominantly yellow with a series of eight 40 cm. to nine yellow, golden brown stripes on the Distribution: In Western Australia found side of the fish (b) caudal and dorsal fins from Shark Bay northwards to the Northern are yellowish (c) black spot is present at the Territory border. base of the pectoral fin. Habitat: Lives in a variety of habitats from Other Common Names: , flagfish. estuaries and near-shore coral reef waters in depths up to 80 m.

32 Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae Crimson snapper Lutjanus erythropterus a c

b Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains a Size: Maximum total length is 60 cm. large black spot at the dorsal side base of Distribution: In Western Australia found from the caudal fin (b) pink/ red over entire body Shark Bay to the Northern Territory border. (c) head and mouth are relatively small. Habitat: Inhabits deep rocky and coral reef Often gets misidentified as Lutjanus waters and trawling ground in depths up to malabaricus but has a different head profile 140 m. and much smaller jaw than this species. Other Common Names: Crimson seaperch, red snapper.

Paddletail Lutjanus gibbus

a

c b

Distinguishing features: (a) The upper Distribution: In Western Australia this lobe of the caudal fin is paddle shaped in species is restricted to the offshore atoll appearance (b) body is red with yellow on reef systems such as Scott Reef and the upper lip and on the base of the pectoral Rowley Shoals. fin and on the operculum (c) the soft dorsal, Habitat: Inhabits coral reef systems in anal and caudal fin contains a white margin. depths usually between 3 to 50 m. Size: This species grows to a maximum length of 50 cm.

Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae 33 Bluestriped snapper Lutjanus kasmira

Juvenile

c b a

Adult

Distinguishing features: (a) Often gets Distribution: In Western Australia this species misidentified as Lutjanus quinquelineatus is found from Shark Bay northwards and is but unlike this species it only has four blue more common on offshore atoll reef systems. stripes (b) the head is reddish pink and the Habitat: Inhabits lagoons, atoll reefs and ventral surface of the body is whiter deep reefs along the continental shelf in (c) contains a black spot at the posterior depths of 150 m. end of the soft dorsal fin. Size: Maximum total length of 35 cm.

34 Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae Darktail snapper Lutjanus lemniscatus a c b

d

Distinguishing Features: (a) Body is dark Other Common Names: Maroon seaperch, red or deep maroon on the upper part of the dark-tailed seaperch. body above the lateral line, becoming whiter Size: Maximum total length up to 65 cm. towards the ventral surface (b) contains a Distribution: In Western Australia found from distinctive head profile which is steeply sloped Shark Bay to the Northern Territory border. and the snout is long and slighty concave (c) the dorsal, caudal fins are red with a Habitat: Inhabits reefs and deep offshore distinct white margin (d) orange spots/ lines reef systems to a depth of 120 m. are visible on the head. Often misidentified with mangrove jack Lutjanus argentimaculatus.

Golden snapper Lutjanus johnii a b

Adult Distinguishing features: (a) Body colour Size: Maximum total length up to 70 cm. is variable, adult fish caught in open water Distribution: In Western Australia found generally have pinkish silvery colouration, from Karratha northwards to the Northern fish caught in estuaries and mangroves are Territory border. golden brown sometimes metallic yellow Habitat: Juvenile fish live in mangroves (b) black spot is visible on the base of the estuaries and tidal rivers. Mature adults soft dorsal fin, and is more prominent in migrate out of the mangrove systems and juvenile fish. Often gets misidentified as into near-shore or offshore rocky or coral Lutjanus russelli or Lutjanus argentimaculatus. reefs in depths up to 80 m. Other Common Names: Fingermark seaperch.

Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae 35 Saddletail snapper Lutjanus malabaricus

c b

a

Distinguishing Features: (a) Head and Size: Maximum total length up to 100 cm. mouth is much larger than Lutjanus Distribution: In Western Australia found from erythropterus (b) head profile is straight or Shark Bay to the Northern Territory border. very slightly concave (c) contains a dark Habitat: Inhabits coral reefs and deep black band at the base of the caudal fin. offshore reef systems, usually found in Other Common Names: Scarlet perch, depths ranging up to 140 m. saddle tailed seaperch, malabar snapper.

Fiveline snapper Lutjanus quinquelineatus

a c

b

Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains five Size: Maximum total length up to 38 cm. distinct blue lines, which run longitudinal Distribution: In Western Australia found from from the head to the caudal fin (b) body Shark Bay to the Northern Territory border. and fins are bright yellow (c) black spot is Habitat: Inhabits deep reefs along the generally visible above the lateral line and continental shelf to 100 m. below the anterior end of the dorsal fin. Other Common Names: Five lined seaperch.

36 Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae Maori snapper Lutjanus rivulatus c d a

e

b

Distinguishing features: (a) Head contains Distribution: In Western Australia found from numerous undulating blue lines (b) body Ningaloo Reef northwards to the Northern is yellowish brown (c) body scales contain Territory border. grey blue spots (d) head profile is steep Habitat: Occurs in a variety of habitats from (e) contains a thick fleshy blubbery lips. atoll reef lagoons and near-shore reefs to Other Common Names: Maori seaperch. deep offshore waters in depths up to 100 m. Size: Maximum total length up to 70 cm.

Moses snapper Lutjanus russelli a b

Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains a Size: Maximum total length up to 45 cm. distinct black spot on the back of the body Distribution: In Western Australia, a generally above the lateral line (b) body widely distributed species from Shark Bay is pinkish red, often gets confused with northwards to the Northern Territory border. Lutjanus johni. Habitat: Inhabits coastal and offshore rocky Other Common Names: Moses perch, reef terrain in depths up to 130 m. fingermark bream.

Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae 37 Red emperor Lutjanus sebae a

b

Juvenile

Adult

Distinguishing features: (a) Juvenile and Distribution: Widely distributed across young adults contain broad dark red bands. Western Australia and can be found as far These bands fade with age and the fish south as Rottnest Island to the Northern becomes pink/red all over its body (b) the Territory border. dorsal, anal and top of the caudal fin all Habitat: Inhabits rocky or coral reefs and contain a fine white posterior margin. rubble seabeds. Usually found in depths Size: Maximum total length up to 100 cm. ranging from 10 to 140 m.

38 Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae Brownstripe snapper Lutjanus vitta c a b

Distinguishing features: (a) Contains Size: Maximum total length up to 40 cm. a distinct olive or brown band that runs Distribution: From Shark Bay northwards to longitudinal from the eye to the caudal fin, the Northern Territory border. (b) fins are yellow to orange, anterior dorsal Habitat: Occurs in a variety of habitats, from and anal fin have white margins, (c) thin coral and rocky reef systems to areas of flat brown strips are oblique above lateral line bottom with sessile or . and are horizontal below the line. Usually found in depths up to 130 m. Other Common Names: Striped seaperch, flagfish, spanish flag.

Saddleback snapper Paracaesio kusakarii a b c

Distinguishing features: (a) Body is deep Distribution: A relatively rare species in brown above the lateral line becoming Western Australia found from Broome whiter towards the ventral surface (b) four northwards to the Northern Territory border. dark broad vertical bars or blotches can be Habitat: Inhabits coral and rocky reefs or found on the upper surface of the body rubble seabeds in depths between 100 (c) fins are greyish white sometimes to 200 m. becoming slightly yellowish. Size: Maximum total length up to 60 cm.

Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae 39 Cocoa snapper Paracaesio stonei

a c b

Distinguishing features: (a) Body is Distribution: An uncommon species in moderately deep light brown above the Western Australia found in offshore oceanic lateral line becoming white towards the belly coral reefs and atolls such as Rowley Shoals (b) there are five distinct brown bars, which and Scott Reef. run vertical on the body (c) caudal and dorsal Habitat: Deep water species found in depths fins are greyish white with a yellow margin. up to 250 m. Size: Maximum total length up to 50 cm.

Ornate snapper Pristipomoides argyrogrammicus c a b

Distinguishing features: (a) Head is red, Distribution: A very rare species in Western body orange- yellow above the lateral line Australia found only in deep offshore waters becoming lighter towards the belly (b) caudal from Broome to the Northern Territory border. and dorsal fins are yellow with a light blue Habitat: Inhabits deep offshore rocky and margin (c) bright blue spots and lines are coral reef bottoms in depths between 70 visible on the body. to 300 m. Size: Maximum total length of 40 cm.

40 Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae Goldflag snapper Pristipomoides auricilla

b c a

Distinguishing features: (a) Upper lobe of Distribution: A relatively rare species dorsal fin is yellow (b) narrow yellow bars or in Western Australia found only in deep spots found on body (c) body is elongate the offshore waters and outer coral reef atolls upper body above lateral line is violet purple such as Scott Reef and Rowley Shoals. or brownish violet. Habitat: A deepwater species which inhabits Size: Maximum size up to 45 cm, most rocky substrates between 90 to 360 m. common to 25 cm.

Rosy snapper Pristipomoides filamentosus

c a

b

Distinguishing features: (a) Body is elongated Size: Maximum total length up to 80 cm. and robust deep reddish brown more Distribution: In Western Australia found from pronounced above the lateral line, (b) dorsal Shark Bay northwards to Northern Territory. and caudal fins are light blue or lavender in Habitat: Inhabits rocky or coral reefs on colour with reddish-orange margins, white tips the outer continental shelf in water depths on the upper and lower lobes (c) head profile between 90 to 360 m. is more rounded than similar looking species Pristipomoides typus. Other Common Names: Rosy jobfish, crimson jobfish.

Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae 41 Goldband snapper Pristipomoides multidens a

b c

Distinguishing features: (a) Body colour Distribution: From the Abrolhos Islands is yellowish to rosy particularly above the northwards towards to the Northern lateral line, (b) contains two to three distinct Territory border. yellow or gold bands with blue margins over Habitat: Inhabits deep coastal waters over snout below the eye (c) caudal fin is pale rocky or rubble bottoms on the edge of the yellow-pink. continental shelf in water depths ranging Other Common Names: Goldband jobfish, from 40 to 200 m. king snapper. Size: Maximum total length up to 100 cm.

Lavender snapper Pristipomoides sieboldii

b c

a

Distinguishing features: (a) Base of dorsal Distribution: A very rare species in Western and anal fins contain elongated filaments Australia only found in deep offshore waters (b) body is rosy red above lateral line becoming and atolls such as Rowley Shoals and silvery towards the ventral surface (c) small Scott Reef. lavender spots are visible on the body. Habitat: A deep water species found in Size: Maximum total length up to 60 cm. depths between 150 to 360 m over rocky bottoms.

42 Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae Sharptooth snapper Pristipomoides typus a

b

Distinguishing features: (a) Overall colour is Size: Maximum total length up to 80 cm. rosy pink to reddish with pale underbelly, Distribution: From Shark Bay northwards (b) contains reticulated fine diffuse yellow across to the Northern Territory border. to goldbands on head and snout. This Habitat: Inhabits deep coastal waters over species is often misidentified as rocky and rubble bottoms in depths ranging Pristipomoides multidens. from 40 to 150 m. Other Common Names: Sharptooth jobfish.

Oblique-banded snapper Pristipomoides zonatus b a

d c

Distinguishing features: (a) Overall body red Distribution: A relatively rare species in pinkish (b) contains four distinctive oblique Western Australia found in outer offshore yellow bands on the body (c) dorsal and coral reef systems such as Scott Reef and lower lobe of caudal fin are yellow the Rowley Shoals. (d) body is deep and less elongate than Habitat: Inhabits deep rocky bottoms and other Pristipomoides species. steep reef slopes in depths ranging between Size: Maximum total length up to 50cm. 70 to 350 m.

Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae 43 Chinaman fish Symphorus nematophorus d b

c

adult e

Distinguishing features: (a) Juveniles contain Size: Maximum total length up to 100 cm. elongated filaments at the end of the soft Larger individual fish are suspected of dorsal fins (b) contains blue lines that run causing ciguatera poisoning in isolated longitudinally along the body. These features cases in . are less evident in adults (c) contains Distribution: From Shark Bay northwards to a distinct steep head profile (d) body the Northern Territory border. colour can vary between different regions Habitat: Inhabits inshore soft coral and sometimes yellowish brown and often rubble areas as well as offshore reef waters reddish, sometimes faint vertical banding is in depths up to 120 m. evident (e) contains a groove behind the eye. Other Common Names: Mandarin bream.

44 Snappers and Seaperches – Family Lutjanidae Trevallies – Family Carangidae

Onion trevally Carangoides caeruleopinnatus a d

c

b Distinguishing features: (a) Contains a Size: Maximum total length up to 50 cm. black spot on the upper operculum (b) body Distribution: From Shark Bay northwards to is deep and short contains few to many the Northern Territory border. small black spots on the ventral surface Habitat: Inhabits deep coastal reef waters in (c) soft dorsal and anal fins are blueish depth up to 100 m. grey with elongated filaments (d) hard dorsal fin very short.

Longnose trevally Carangoides chrysophrys

a

b

Distinguishing features: (a) Contains a Distribution: In Western Australia from gently sloping head profile except between Shark Bay northwards to the Northern the snout and the mouth where there is Territory border. vertical slope (b) contains a black spot on Habitat: Inhabits coastal and open the upper operculum. water reefs. Size: Maximum total length up to 75 cm.

Trevallies – Family Carangidae 45 Goldspotted trevally Carangoides fulvoguttatus b

c a

d

Distinguishing features: (a) Body is relatively Size: Maximum total length up to 130 cm. elongate in shape (b) contains both yellow Distribution: Widely distributed across and brown spots on the side of body (c) eye Western Australia from Cape Leeuwin to the is located high above the mouth (d) the Northern Territory border. snout is tapered. Often misidentified as the Habitat: Inhabits coastal and rocky reef trevally Carangoides gymnosthethus. bottoms in depths up to 100 m. Other Common Names: Turrum.

Tille trevally Caranx tille d c b a

Distinguishing features: (a) Body is relatively Distribution: In Western Australia found from elongate (b) contains a very steep head Exmouth Gulf northwards to the Northern profile (c) black spot is visible of the upper Territory border. part of the operculum (d) body is deep blue Habitat: A pelagic species, which inhabits greenish in colour. coastal inshore waters near rocky or coral Size: Maximum total length up to 80 cm. reefs up to depths of 130 m.

46 Trevallies – Family Carangidae Golden trevally Gnathanodon speciosus

a

adult b Distinguishing Features: (a) Juvenile fish Distribution: A widely distributed species in colour is bright yellow/golden over entire Western Australia found from Rottnest Island body with distinct dark bars (b) in adult northwards to the Northern Territory border. fish the yellow/golden colour fades and is Habitat: Inhabits a variety of habitats from generally only evident under the belly of the deep offshore waters to inshore rocky reefs fish. The dark bars are also less distinct. and sandy seabeds. Size: Maximum total length up to 120 cm.

Amberjack Seriola dumerili

a c b

Distinguishing features: (a) Contains a distinct Distribution: Widely distributed across yellow band which runs mid lateral from the Western Australia from Albany northwards to caudal fin to the eye (b) body colour above the Northern Territory border. lateral line blueish grey to bronze, below line is Habitat: Inhabits coastal and offshore silver/white (c) dark bar is sometimes visible waters generally near reef areas in depths up running from the nape through the eye to the to 360 m. upper jaw. Size: Maximum total length up to 130 cm.

Trevallies – Family Carangidae 47 Highfin amberjack Seriola rivoliana b

c d a e

Distinguishing features: (a) A dark bar runs Size: Maximum total length up to 70 cm. through eye from the anterior end of the Distribution: Widely distributed across dorsal fin to the mouth (b) soft dorsal fin is Western Australia from Exmouth Gulf to the high and elongated (c) body is much deeper Northern Territory border. than similar related species Seriola dumerili Habitat: Inhabits oceanic waters usually well (d) body colour olive to bluish green above the offshore, occasionally found in inshore waters. lateral line becoming silvery towards the belly (e) fins are dark dusky to white.

48 Trevallies – Family Carangidae – Family Labridae

Humphead Maori wrasse Cheilinus undulatus b d Juvenile & Female

c

Male

a

Distinguishing features: (a) Contains thick Size: Maximum total length up to 230 cm. fleshy lips and a distinct hump on the Distribution: From Exmouth northwards to forehead (b) body is deep and robust the Northern Territory border. (c) the head and chest region contain a Habitat: Inhabits coral reef waters, maze of diffuse reticulated lines (d) on reefs and deep outer reef slopes to depths the body scales dark bars are present up to 100 m. Often found in coral caves which form a distinct woven pattern. In the or ledges. juvenile phase of this species fish contain two dark lines, which radiate from the eye and a yellow margin on the caudal fin. This species is the largest of the Labridae family. It is protected in Western Australia under the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 and should be returned to the water upon capture.

Wrasses – Family Labridae 49 Goldspot pigfish Bodianus perditio a b c

d

Distinguishing features: (a) Contains a yellow Size: Maximum total length up to 65 cm. patch on the middle of the body which runs Distribution: From the Abrolhos Islands down to the lateral line (b) there is a black northwards to the Northern Territory border. area behind this yellow patch (c) head and Habitat: Inhabits offshore and coral reef body is a coppery red colour pale ventrally areas, can often be found over sand or (d) truncate caudal fin. rubble bottoms in deeper water up to 100 m. Other Common Name: Foxfish, Hogfish.

Bluespotted tuskfish Choerodon cauteroma b

c

Male d a Distinguishing features: (a) Body colour is Size: Maximum total length up to 40 cm. yellow in females, greenish yellow in males Distribution: Mainly found in north Western (b) contains a dark streak below the middle Australia from Shark Bay northwards to the of the dorsal spine and at the front of the Northern Territory border. dorsal fin (c) contains several blue lines Habitat: Inhabits sand and weed seabeds which radiate from eye along the snout adjacent to coral reefs. across to the operculum and down to the pectoral fin (d) body scales contains a blue or purple bar.

50 Wrasses – Family Labridae Blue tuskfish Choerodon cyanodus c a

b

d

Distinguishing features: (a) Contains a Size: Maximum total length up to 70 cm. distinctive white spot below the dorsal fin Distribution: In Western Australia found towards the posterior end of the fish from Shark Bay northwards to the Northern (b) the caudal fin contains thin blue lines Territory border. and the posterior tips are light blue (c) head Habitat: Inhabits a variety of habitats from is dark greenish brown (d) throat is white and sand and rubble seabeds to shallow coral contains blue lines on the lips. reef flats and deeper outer reef slopes.

Blackspot tuskfish Choerodon schoenleinii a b

d

c Distinguishing features: (a) Black spot is Size: Maximum total length up to 80 cm. visible on the base of the middle of the Distribution: From Ningaloo Reef northwards dorsal fin (b) body is dark green to blue to the Northern Territory border. (c) blue spots are visible on each scale on Habitat: Inhabits sandy weed areas near coral the body towards the posterior end of the and rocky reefs in depths up to 60 m. fish (d) horizontal blue lines are present on caudal fin.

Wrasses – Family Labridae 51 Eyebrow tuskfish Choerodon zamboangae

a b c

Distinguishing features: (a) Contains dark Size: Maximum total length up to 45 cm. red wedge shaped or stripe which runs from Distribution: From Broome northwards to the the exterior end of the dorsal fin to the Northern Territory border. upper pectoral fin base; at the bottom of this Habitat: Inhabits flat and sandy reef areas in wedge there is a yellow stripe (b) contains depths up to 150 m. purple lines around the eye and on bottom of chin (c) dorsal, anal and ventral fins with purple margins.

52 Wrasses – Family Labridae Parrotfish – Family Scaridae

Bluebarred parrotfish Scarus ghobban

Male

Female

Distinguishing features: There are two Size: Maximum total length up to 90 cm. distinct colour variations between sexes in Distribution: Found from south of Shark this species. In the male form the body colour Bay in Western Australia to the Northern is pale fawn to yellow orange with bright Territory border. turquoise blue scale margins. The edge of Habitat: Inhabits coral reef lagoon areas, the anal and dorsal fin all have turquoise weedy seabeds and inner and outer reef blue margins. The caudal fin is orange with a edges with depth ranges up to 100 m. turquoise blue margin. There are also three distinct turquoise bars radiating from behind the eye. In the female form the body is yellow to orange and has blue spots forming bars on the side of the body. The caudal, anal and dorsal fin all have blue margins.

Parrotfish – Family Scaridae 53 Seabreams – Family Sparidae

Frypan bream Argyrops spinifer a

b c

d

e Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains Size: Maximum total length up to 70 cm. elongated filamentous dorsal spines (b) Distribution: From Shark Bay northwards to angular steep forehead profile (c) head the Northern Territory border. and body are silvery deep pink (d) dorsal Habitat: Found in rocky, rubble and coral reef and caudal fins are pink to orange with red areas in depths up to 150 m. margins (e) red line on the upper operculum. Other Common Names: Frypan snapper, long- spinned snapper, pan snapper.

Yellowback bream Dentex tumifrons a

b

c Distinguishing features: (a) Body is orange Distribution: Found from North West to red above the lateral line becoming Cape in Western Australia to the Northern silver towards the ventral surface (b) nape Territory border. is golden (c) dorsal and caudal fins are Habitat: Inhabits muddy and sandy bottoms. orange-yellow. Often found in trawling grounds in depths Other Common Names: Deep sea snapper, ranging from 50 to 250 m. lenko’s snapper. Size: Maximum total length up to 35 cm.

54 Seabreams – Family Sparidae Other Important Commercial Species

Lined javelinfish Hapalogenys kishinouyei a

b

c Distinguishing features: (a) Contains four to Size: A relatively small species with a five distinct brown dusky lines on the dorsal maximum size up to 30 cm. surface which run longitudinally along the Distribution: From Broome northwards to the body (b) contains thick fleshy lips and snout Northern Territory border. (c) body is grey becoming silver towards the Habitat: Inhabits muddy or sandy bottom areas ventral surface. near coastal estuaries, rivers or streams. Also Other Common Names: Javelinfish. in trawl catches to at least 100 m.

Painted sweetlip Diagramma labiosum b a

c

d

Distinguishing Features: (a) Body is silvery Distribution: Widely distributed across grey, contains scattered dark dots or blotches, Western Australia from Jurien Bay to the (b) black dots are present on the posterior Northern Territory border. dorsal fin and the caudal fin (c) has thick Habitat: Inhabits shallow lagoons and fleshy lips (d) relatively slender tail base. estuaries as well as coastal coral and Other Common Names: Sand snapper. rocky reef up to depth of 100 m. Size: Maximum total length up to 90 cm.

Other Important Commercial Species 55 Northern pearl perch Glaucosoma buergeri

b c

d

a Distinguishing Features: (a) Body is silvery Other Common Names: Pearl perch. in appearance, (b) contains a large eye, (c) Size: Maximum total length up to 60 cm. dorsal spines are largely posterior, (d) caudal Distribution: Found in Western Australia from fin slightly truncate. Juvenile and young adults Shark Bay to Cape Talbot north of Broome. have 10 longitudinal thin dark bands along the body. These bands become less pronounced Habitat: Inhabits coral and rocky reef with the age of the fish. Closely related to seabeds in depths up to 100 m. the Western Australian dhufish Glaucosoma hebraicum. Often misidentified as this species.

Threadfin pearl perch Glaucosoma magnificum

a b

c Distinguishing features: (a) Similar in Size: A relatively small species. Maximum appearance to Glaucosoma buergeri, total length up to 35 cm. distinguished by elongated dorsal, caudal Distribution: From Exmouth Gulf northwards and anal fin filaments (b) body is silvery grey to the Northern Territory border. in appearance becoming whiter towards the Habitat: Inhabits coral, rubble and rocky reef ventral surface (c) contains three dark brown bottom on the continental shelf in depths up vertical bars on the head. to 100 m. Other Common Name: Pearl perch.

56 Other Important Commercial Species Monocle bream Scolopsis monogramma d a c

b

Distinguishing features: (a) Contains three Size: A relatively small species. Maximum blue stripes on the head which are often total length up to 30 cm. interspaced between yellow or orange stripes Distribution: From Exmouth Gulf northwards (b) caudal fin is yellow with a blue edge across the Northern Territory border. (c) the upper lobe of the caudal fin contains Habitat: Inhabits sandy areas near or in the an elongated filament (d) body colour is vicinity of coral reefs in depths up to 50 m. greyish above the lateral line becoming whiter towards the ventral surface.

Rosy threadfin bream d a b c

Distinguishing features: (a) Body colour is Size: A relatively small species with a reddish pink above the lateral line becoming maximum total length up to 30 cm. silvery towards the ventral surface (b) contains Distribution: From Exmouth Gulf northwards a series of faint brownish blotches on the to the Northern Territory border. back of the body (c) the caudal fin is pale Habitat: Inhabits sandy and muddy pink rosy (d) dorsal fin contains a thin fine seabeds in sheltered estuaries and bays. yellow margin. Often found in trawling ground in depths Other Common Names: Threadfin bream. up to 110 m.

Other Important Commercial Species 57 Brown sweetlips Plectorhinchus gibbosus

b c d

a

Distinguished features: (a) Has thick Size: Maximum total length up to 60 cm. fleshy blubbery lips (b) body is grey to Distribution: From Shark Bay northwards to dark brown (c) black patches are evident the Northern Territory border. near the eye and below the posterior and Habitat: Inhabits coastal reefs and sandy anterior end of the dorsal fin (d) fins are seabeds, estuaries and rivers in depths brown to charcoal and the margins of the ranging from 2 to 20 m. soft dorsal and anal fins often contain a white margin.

Lunartail bigeye Priacanthus hamrur a

b

c

Distinguishing features: (a) Head and body Distribution: An uncommon species in are predominantly red (b) soft dorsal, anal Western Australia, found from the Abrolhos and caudal fins have a dark black margin. Islands northwards to the Northern Unlike other Priacanthus species lacks spots Territory border. on fins (c) caudal fin is lunate in shape. Habitat: Found in outer reef slopes and Size: Maximum total length up to 45 cm. coralline reefs in depths up to 250 m.

58 Other Important Commercial Species Purplespotted bigeye Priacanthus tayenus a b

c

d

Distinguishing features: (a) Body is silvery Distribution: From Exmouth Gulf northwards red (b) have elongated filaments on the tips to the Northern Territory border. of the caudal and soft dorsal fin (c) anal and Habitat: Inhabits coral and rocky bottoms, soft dorsal fins are tall (d) numerous brown outer reef slopes in depths up to 200 m. or black spots are visible on the pelvic fins. Size: Maximum total length up to 40 cm.

Cobia Rachycentron canadum a b c

Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains Size: Maximum total length up to 200 cm. a characteristic black stripe which runs Distribution: Widely distributed in Western laterally over the body from the caudal fin Australia from Cape Leeuwin northwards to to the head, this is flanked by greyish white the Northern Territory border. stripes (b) contains a series of very small Habitat: Lives in a variety of habitats from dorsal spines (c) head is broad and flattened. coastal muddy, sand or rubble areas, to Other Common Names: Black kingfish, offshore coral or rocky reefs. Pelagic species. kingfish.

Other Important Commercial Species 59 John dory Zeus faber

c b

a Distinguishing features: (a) Contains a Western Australia from Broome south to prominent dark spot with a white ring in the South Australian border. middle of the body (b) long filamentosus Habitat: Lives in a variety of habitats from spines on the dorsal fin (c) head is brown or estuaries and bays to deeper offshore waters bronze, body is silvery white. to depths of 400 m. Often found in trawling Size: Maximum total length up to 75 cm. ground on the continental shelf. Distribution: Found in both temperate and tropical climates. Widely distributed in

60 Other Important Commercial Species Important Commercial Near-shore Species

Western yellowfin bream Acanthopagrus latus b

a Distinguishing features: (a) Often gets Distribution: From Shark Bay northwards to misidentified as Acanthopagrus palmaris the Northern Territory border. but can be distinguished by its yellow fins. Habitat: A nearshore species, which All of the fins are yellow (b) body is silver predominantly lives in shallow water estuaries in appearance becoming whiter towards the and rivers, but can be found in coastal reef ventral surface. waters up to 50 m in depth. Size: Maximum total length up to 50 cm.

Northwest black bream Acanthopagrus palmaris a

b

Distinguishing features: (a) Body colour Size: Maximum total length up to 40 cm. is dark black or brown becoming silvery Distribution: From Shark Bay northwards to towards the ventral surface (b) fins unlike the Northern Territory border. Acanthopagrus latus are grey or black. Some Habitat: Inhabits coastal reef areas often adult fish develop a hump on the forehead. entering into estuaries and bays. Other Common Names: Pikey bream.

Important Commercial Near-shore Species 61 Silver cobbler Arius midgleyi

a

b

Distinguishing features: (a) Head profile Size: Maximum total length up to 150 cm. contains a distinctive blunt snout, shovel like Distribution: From Broome northwards to the in appearance (b) contains a distinct forked Northern Territory border. caudal fin. Often gets misidentified as the Habitat: Inhabits coastal streams, rivers and bottlenose Arius graeffei but can be estuaries and can also be found in inland distinguished by the different head shape. lakes and reservoirs. Other Common Names: Catfish.

Blue threadfin Eleutheronema tetradactylum b a

Distinguishing features: (a) Base of Distribution: Exmouth Gulf northwards to the caudal fin yellow, other parts are blackish Northern Territory border. (b) body is dark blue becoming lighter on the Habitat: Mainly found in sandy or muddy ventral surface. bottoms in rivers, estuaries and streams. Other common names: Blue threadfin A nearshore species, which generally lives in , blue nosed salmon, blue salmon. shallow water areas in depths up to 20 m. Size: Maximum total length up to 80 cm.

62 Important Commercial Near-shore Species Barramundi b Lates calcarifer

saltwater fish a Distinguishing features: (a) Body is robust Distribution: In Western Australia found and deep (b) body colour varies depending from Exmouth Gulf up to the Northern on region. In freshwater estuaries and Territory border. lakes body colour is greenish blue above Habitat: Juvenile fish live in freshwater the lateral line becoming white towards the lakes, lagoons and upper reaches of river ventral surface. Fins are dark brown black. and streams. Adults are found mainly in In saltwater environments the fish have mangroves or estuaries and sometimes move yellow fins and the body colour is silvery in into freshwater during the warmer summer appearance (c) contains a distinct concave months. In these environments they are head profile (hump on the head). usually found near overhanging vegetation, Size: Maximum total length up to 180 cm. submerged logs or undercut banks.

Tripletail Lobotes surinamensis

b a

c

Distinguishing features: (a) Contain a steep, Size: Maximum total length up to 100 cm. sloping humped forehead profile (b) caudal Distribution: From Broome northwards to the anal and posterior dorsal fins are all lobed Northern Territory border. giving the appearance of three fins (hence Habitat: Inhabits tidal and muddy the common name tripletail) (c) body is deep mangroves, estuaries and lower reaches of brown or greenish yellow on the upper surface freshwater rivers. becoming silvery grey towards the belly.

Important Commercial Near-shore Species 63 King threadfin Polydactylus macrochir

a

d

b c

Distinguishing features: (a) Upper sides Size: One of the largest of the threadfin of the head and belly are golden becoming species. Maximum total length up to 150 cm. more silver on the lower surfaces (b) pectoral Distribution: From Exmouth Gulf northwards and pelvic fins are bright yellow (c) pectoral to the Northern Territory border. filaments are white or yellowish white (d) Habitat: A nearshore species, which inhabits caudal fin is grey and contains a black margin. mangroves, turbid coastal waters and Other Common Names: Giant threadfin estuaries in depths up to 15 m. salmon, king salmon.

Barred javelin Pomadasys kaakan b c a

d

Distinguishing features: (a) Contains black Size: Maximum total length up to 80 cm. spots along the dorsal fin (b) distinguished Distribution: Found in tropical waters from by a row of dark spots, which form vertical Shark Bay in Western Australia north to the bars on the upper surface of the body above Northern Territory border. the lateral line (c) body is olive brown in the Habitat: Inhabits estuaries and inshore upper surface becoming silver towards the waters with muddy to sandy bottoms to water ventral surface (d) pectoral, anal and lower depth up to 75 m. lobe of the caudal fin is yellow.

64 Important Commercial Near-shore Species Black jewfish Protonibea diacanthus a b

Distinguishing features: (a) Body colour Other Common Names: Northern mulloway. is greyish to dark black above the lateral Size: One of the largest of the tropical line becoming silvery towards the ventral jewfish. Maximum total length up to 150 cm. surface (b) black spots are sometimes Distribution: Found from Shark Bay visible on the body, dorsal and caudal fin. northwards to the Northern Territory border. Often gets confused with the common mulloway Argyrosomus japonicus but has Habitat: Inhabits tidal rivers, estuaries and more pointed caudal tail and lacks a dark coastal bays on muddy or sandy bottoms in spot at the base of the pectoral fin and is depths up to 60 m. generally darker in appearance.

Giant queenfish Scomberoides commersonnianus b a

d c

Distinguishing features: (a) Body colour Other Common Names: Queenfish. is greenish bronze on the upper surface Size: Maximum total length up to 120 cm. becoming silver white towards the belly Distribution: Found from Shark Bay to the (b) large dark spots are visible on the upper Northern Territory border. surface of the body above the lateral line (c) the lower jaw extends past the posterior Habitat: Mainly inhabits coastal reef waters end of the eye (d) body is elongated and or islands, occasionally found in estuaries. compressed.

Important Commercial Near-shore Species 65 Pelagic Species

Wahoo Acanthocybium solandri d a b

e

c

Distinguishing features : (a) Body colour Size: Maximum total length up to 250 cm. is blueish green above the lateral line Distribution: In Western Australia found becoming silver towards the ventral surface from the Abrolhos Islands northwards to the (b) contains between 20 to 30 cobalt blue Northern Territory border. lines which run longitudinally along the body Habitat: An oceanic pelagic species which (c) body and snout are long and elongated is generally found in offshore waters or (d) first dorsal fin is larger and longer than near outer coral reef systems, also found in other mackerel species (e) contains large coastal waters. mouth with triangular compressed teeth.

Dogtooth tuna Gymnosarda unicolor

c d b

a

Distinguishing characteristics: (a) Contains a oceanic coral reef atolls such as Rowley large mouth with a series of large distinctive Shoals and Scott Reef. conical shaped teeth (b) a large eye (c) body Habitat: An oceanic species which is mainly colour is deep blueish black above the lateral found in offshore waters near coral reefs or line becoming silvery towards the ventral near outer reef drop offs on the edge of the surface (d) lateral line is strongly undulating. continental shelf. Size: Maximum total length up to 220 cm. Distribution: In Western Australia found in

66 Pelagic Species Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus commerson c

b a

Distinguishing features: (a) Contains a Size: Maximum total length up to 240 cm. series of narrow dark blue or black bars Distribution: Widely distributed across which run vertically along the body. These Western Australia from Cape Leeuwin bars are narrower than those seen on northwards to the Northern Territory border. Acanthocybium solandri (b) body is narrow, Habitat: A pelagic species, which inhabits long and elongated (c) body is dark blue coastal waters near islands and rocky above the lateral line becoming silvery headlands and oceanic waters up to 200 m. towards the ventral surface. Other common names: Narrow barred mackerel.

Spotted mackerel Scomberomorus munroi b

c

a

Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains a Distribution: Widely distributed across series of dark blue black round spots on Western Australia from the Abrolhos Islands side of the body (b) body is deep blue above to the Northern Territory border. lateral line becoming silvery towards the Habitat: Inhabits coastal reefs and headlands ventral surface (c) anal fins are grey, caudal as well as offshore waters. Sometimes found fins are dark blue to black. in coastal bays and estuaries. Size: Maximum total length up to 100 cm.

Pelagic Species 67 School mackerel Scomberomorus queenslandicus b

a Distinguishing features: (a) Contains large Other Common Names: Queensland school grey brown spots along the side of its body. mackerel. These spots are equal to the eye diameter Size: Maximum total length up to 100 cm. of the fish (b) at the front of the first Distribution: From Shark Bay northwards to dorsal fin contains black blotch. Often gets the Northern Territory border. misidentified with Scomberomorus munroi but can be distinguished by the larger spots Habitat: Inhabits near-shore coastal waters, on the body. bays and estuaries.

Grey mackerel Scomberomorus semifasciatus b a

c

Distinguishing features: (a) Contains a Other Common Name: Broad barred series of broad dark blue or black bars, mackerel, broad barred spanish mackerel. which run vertically along the body. These Size: Maximum total length up to 120 cm. bars are more prominent in juveniles and Distribution: In Western Australia found fade with age (b) body is deeper than from Shark Bay northwards to the Northern Scomberomorus commerson, greyish green Territory border. above the lateral line becoming silvery towards the ventral surface (c) contains a Habitat: Inhabits coastal reefs and rocky pointed snout with a small head and fine headlands as well as offshore waters. teeth first dorsal fin is black at the front whitish at the posterior end of the fin.

68 Pelagic Species Great barracuda Sphyraena barracuda a b

d

c e Distinguishing features: (a) Body is long, Size: Maximum total length up to 200 cm. cylindrical and elongated (b) contains a Distribution: Widely distributed in Western series of faint oblique dark bars on the upper Australia from Albany to the Northern surface of the body above the lateral line Territory border. (c) pointed snout lower jaw protrudes out Habitat: Lives in a variety of habitats from further than the upper jaw (d) caudal fin is coastal bays and estuaries to near-shore truncate black with white tips on the upper reefs and offshore waters. and lower lobes (e) body is silvery grey.

Yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares a

b

c d

Distinguishing features: (a) Dorsal and anal Distribution: Widely distributed in Western fins are elongated and are bright yellow. Australia found in both temperate and These fins become more elongated with age tropical waters from the South Australian (b) the upper surface of the body is dark border to the Northern Territory border. blue (c) the mid lateral surface is yellow Habitat: Inhabits deep offshore and (d) the ventral surface is silvery in colour. oceanic waters. Sometimes found near Size: One of the largest of the tuna species. oceanic islands. Maximum total length up to 210 cm.

Pelagic Species 69 Longtail tuna Thunnus tonggol

a d c

b

Distinguishing Features: (a) Contains a Distribution: In Western Australia found relatively slender body with a long tails base from Geographe Bay to the Northern (b) pectoral fins are very short (c) dorsal, Territory border. caudal, anal fins are blackish in colour Habitat: Inhabits both coastal and offshore (d) head is relatively small. oceanic waters. Sometimes entering bays Other Common Names: northern bluefin tuna. and estuaries. Size: Maximum total length up to 150 cm.

70 Pelagic Species Reference

Allen, G. (2004) “Marine fishes of Tropical Australia and South– East Asia” Western Australian Museum, Perth. Western Australia. Allen, G. R. (1985). “Snappers of the World: An Annotated and Illustrated Catalogue of Lutjanid Species Known to Date”. FAO Fisheries Synopsis, No. 125, vol. 6. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy. Allen, G. R., Swainston, R., (1988) “The marine fishes of north- western Australia.” Western Australian Museum. Perth Western Australia. Allen, G. R., Midgley S.H, Allen, M, (2002) “Field guide to freshwater fishes of Australia”. Western Australian Museum, Perth, Australia. Andrawartha, B & Tuma, D. (2007) “Fil-o-fish Australia: Recreational and commercial fish handbook” Balnarring. Victoria. Australia. Andrew, J., R, K. Daley etc al (1999) “Australian seafood handbook” CSIRO Marine Research Hobart Australia. Carpenter, K. E and Allen, G. R. (1989). “Emperor fishers and large eye breams of the world (Family Lethrinidae). An Annotated and Illustrated Catalogue of lethrinid Species Known to Date”. FAO Fisheries Synopsis. No. 125, vol. 9, Rome FAO, 118 pp. Coleman, N. (1998) “Australian Sea Fishes- North of 30 S” Doubleday Australia Pty. Limited, Sydney. Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries of Queensland (2004) “Reef fish field guide: to species regulated in the Fisheries (Coral Reef Fin Fish) Management plan 2003”. Brisbane Qld. Heemstra, P. C. and Randall, J. E. (1993). FAO species catalogue. Vol 16. “Groupers of the World (Family , Subfamily Epinephlinae): An Annotated and Illustrated Catalogue of the grouper, rock-cod, hind, and lyretail Species Known to Date”. FAO Fisheries Synopsis No. 125, vol. 16, 382 pp. Motomura, H. (2004). “ of the World (Family Polynemidade). An Annotated and Illustrated Catalogue of Polynemid Species Known to Date”. FAO Species Catalogue for Fisheries Purposes, No. 3, FAO, Rome 117 pp. Randall, J. E., Allen G. R., & Steene, C. R (1996) “Fishes of the and ” University of Hawai Press, Honolulu.

Reference 71 Index of common names

A Amberjack Amberjack, highfin Seriola rivoliana...... 48 Amberjack Seriola dumerili...... 47

B Banded grouper Epinephelus amblycephalus...... 4 Barcheeked coral trout Plectropomus maculatus...... 16 Barracuda Barracuda, great Sphyraena barracuda...... 69 Barramundi Barramundi cod Cromileptes altivelis...... 3 Barramundi Lates calcarifer...... 63 Barred javelin Pomadasys kaakan...... 64 Bass Bass, red Lutjanus bohar...... 31 Blackdotted grouper Epinephelus stictus...... 12 Black jewfish Protonibea diacanthus...... 65 Blackspotted rockcod Epinephelus malabaricus...... 7 Blackspot tuskfish Choerodon schoenleinii...... 51 Bluebarred parrotfish Scarus ghobban...... 53 Bluespotted coral trout Plectropomus laevis...... 15 Bluespotted emperor Lethrinus punctulatus...... 24 Bluespotted tuskfish Choerodon cauteroma...... 50 Bluestriped snapper Lutjanus kasmira...... 34 Blue threadfin Eleutheronema tetradactylum...... 62 Blue tuskfish Choerodon cyanodus...... 51 Bream Bream, frypan Argyrops spinifer...... 54 Bream, monocle Scolopsis monogramma...... 57 Bream, Northwest black Acanthopagrus palmaris...... 61 Bream, rosy threadfin Nemipterus furcosus...... 57 Bream, Western yellowfin Acanthopagrus latus...... 61 Bream, yellowback Dentex tumifrons...... 54 Brown spotted rockcod Epinephelus chlorostigma...... 6 Brownstripe snapper Lutjanus vitta...... 39 Brown sweetlips Plectorhinchus gibbosus...... 58

72 Index of common names C Camouflage grouper Epinephelus polyphekadion...... 10 Chinaman fish Symphorus nematophorus...... 44 Chinaman rockcod Epinephelus rivulatus...... 11 Cobbler Cobbler, silver Arius midgleyi...... 62 Cobia Rachycentron canadum...... 59 Cocoa snapper Paracaesio stonei...... 40 Cod Cod, barramundi Cromileptes altivelis...... 3 Cod, rankin Epinephelus multinotatus...... 9 Cod, vermicular Plectropomus oligacanthus...... 17 Comet grouper Epinephelus morrhua...... 8 Common coral trout Plectropomus leopardus...... 16 Coral rockcod Cephalopholis miniata...... 2 Crimson snapper Lutjanus erythropterus...... 33

D Darktail snapper Lutjanus lemniscatus...... 35 Dogtooth tuna Gymnosarda unicolor...... 66 Dory Dory, John Zeus faber...... 60 Dotdash grouper Epinephelus poecilonotus...... 9 Drab emperor Lethrinus ravus...... 24 Duskytail grouper Epinephelus bleekeri...... 5

E Eightbar grouper Hyporthodus octofasciatus...... 13 Emperor Emperor, bluespotted Lethrinus punctulatus...... 24 Emperor, drab Lethrinus ravus...... 24 Emperor, grass Lethrinus laticaudis...... 21 Emperor, longfin Lethrinus erythropterus...... 21 Emperor, longnose Lethrinus olivaceus...... 23 Emperor, orangespotted Lethrinus erythracanthus...... 20 Emperor, red Lutjanus sebae...... 38 Emperor, redspot Lethrinus lentjan...... 22 Emperor, redthroat Lethrinus miniatus...... 22 Emperor, spangled Lethrinus nebulosus...... 23

Index of common names 73 Emperor, spotcheek Lethrinus rubrioperculatus...... 25 Emperor, yellowlip Lethrinus xanthochilus...... 25 Emperor, yellowtail Lethrinus atkinsoni...... 20 Eyebrow tuskfish Choerodon zamboangae...... 52

F Fiveline snapper Lutjanus quinquelineatus...... 36 Flame snapper Etelis coruscans...... 28 Flowery rockcod Epinephelus fuscoguttatus...... 7 Frostback rockcod Epinephelus bilobatus...... 5 Frypan bream Argyrops spinifer...... 54

G Garish rockcod Cephalopholis igarashiensis...... 2 Giant queenfish Scomberoides commersonnianus...... 65 Goldband snapper Pristipomoides multidens...... 42 Golden grouper Saloptia powelli...... 17 Golden rockcod Cephalopholis aurantia...... 1 Golden snapper Lutjanus johnii...... 35 Golden trevally Gnathanodon speciosus...... 47 Goldflag snapper Pristipomoides auricilla...... 41 Goldspot pigfish Bodianus perditio...... 50 Gold spotted rockcod Epinephelus coioides...... 6 Goldspotted trevally Carangoides fulvoguttatus...... 46 Grass emperor Lethrinus laticaudis...... 21 Great barracuda Sphyraena barracuda...... 69 Green jobfish Aprion virescens...... 27 Grey mackerel Scomberomorus semifasciatus...... 68 Eightbar grouper Hyporthodus octofasciatus...... 13 Grouper Grouper, banded Epinephelus amblycephalus...... 4 Grouper, blackdotted Epinephelus stictus...... 12 Grouper, camouflage Epinephelus polyphekadion...... 10 Grouper, comet Epinephelus morrhua...... 8 Grouper, dotdash Epinephelus poecilonotus...... 9 Grouper, duskytail Epinephelus bleekeri...... 5 Grouper, eightbar Hyporthodus octofasciatus...... 9 Grouper, golden Saloptia powelli...... 17 Grouper, netfin Epinephelus miliaris...... 8

74 Index of common names Grouper, potato Epinephelus tukula...... 12 Grouper, sixbar Epinephelus sexfasciatus...... 11

H Highfin amberjack Seriola rivoliana...... 48 Humphead Maori wrasse Cheilinus undulatus...... 49

I Indonesian snapper Lutjanus bitaeniatus...... 31

J Javelin Javelin, barred Pomadasys kaakan...... 64 Javelinfish Javelinfish, lined Hapalogenys kishinouyei...... 55 Jewfish Jewfish, black Protonibea diacanthus...... 65 Jobfish Jobfish, green Aprion virescens...... 27 Jobfish, rusty Aphareus rutilans...... 27 John dory Zeus faber...... 60

K King threadfin Polydactylus macrochir...... 64

L Lavender snapper Pristipomoides sieboldii...... 42 Lined javelinfish Hapalogenys kishinouyei...... 55 Longfin emperor Lethrinus erythropterus...... 21 Longnose emperor Lethrinus olivaceus...... 23 Longnose trevally Carangoides chrysophrys...... 45 Longtail tuna Thunnus tonggol...... 70 Lunartail bigeye Priacanthus hamrur...... 58

M Mackerel Mackerel, grey Scomberomorus semifasciatus...... 68 Mackerel, school Scomberomorus queenslandicus...... 68 Mackerel, Spanish Scomberomorus commerson...... 67 Mackerel, spotted Scomberomorus munroi...... 67

Index of common names 75 Mangrove jack Lutjanus argentimaculatus...... 30 Maori snapper Lutjanus rivulatus...... 37 Moluccan snapper Lutjanus boutton...... 32 Monocle bream Scolopsis monogramma...... 57 Moses snapper Lutjanus russelli...... 37 Mozambique seabream Wattsia mossambica...... 26

N Netfin grouper Epinephelus miliaris...... 8 Northern pearl perch Glaucosoma buergeri...... 56 Northwest black bream Acanthopagrus palmaris...... 61

O Oblique-banded snapper Pristipomoides zonatus...... 43 Onion trevally Carangoides caeruleopinnatus...... 45 Orangespotted emperor Lethrinus erythracanthus...... 20 Ornate snapper Pristipomoides argyrogrammicus...... 40

P Paddletail Lutjanus gibbus...... 33 Painted sweetlip Diagramma labiosum...... 55 Pale ruby snapper Etelis radiosus...... 29 Parrotfish, bluebarred Scarus ghobban...... 53 Passionfruit coral trout Plectropomus areolatus...... 14 Peacock rockcod Cephalopholis argus...... 1 Perch Perch, Northern pearl Glaucosoma buergeri...... 56 Perch, threadfin pearl Glaucosoma magnificum...... 56 Potato grouper Epinephelus tukula...... 12 Purplespotted bigeye Priacanthus tayenus...... 59

R Radiant rockcod Epinephelus radiatus...... 10 Rankin cod Epinephelus multinotatus...... 9 Red bass Lutjanus bohar...... 31 Red emperor Lutjanus sebae...... 38 Redspot emperor Lethrinus lentjan...... 22 Redthroat emperor Lethrinus miniatus...... 22 Robinson’s seabream Gymnocranius grandoculis...... 19

76 Index of common names Rockcod Rockcod, blackspotted Epinephelus malabaricus...... 7 Rockcod, brown spotted Epinephelus chlorostigma...... 6 Rockcod, chinaman Epinephelus rivulatus...... 11 Rockcod, coral Cephalopholis miniata...... 2 Rockcod, flowery Epinephelus fuscoguttatus...... 7 Rockcod, frostback Epinephelus bilobatus...... 5 Rockcod, garish Cephalopholis igarashiensis...... 2 Rockcod, golden Cephalopholis aurantia...... 1 Rockcod, gold spotted Epinephelus coioides...... 6 Rockcod, peacock Cephalopholis argus...... 1 Rockcod, radiant Epinephelus radiatus...... 10 Rockcod, tomato Cephalopholis sonnerati...... 3 Rockcod, yellow spotted Epinephelus areolatus...... 4 Rosy snapper Pristipomoides filamentosus...... 41 Rosy threadfin bream Nemipterus furcosus...... 57 Ruby snapper Etelis carbunculus...... 28 Rusty jobfish Aphareus rutilans...... 27

S Saddleback snapper Paracaesio kusakarii...... 39 Saddletail snapper Lutjanus malabaricus...... 36 School mackerel Scomberomorus queenslandicus...... 68 Seabream Seabream, Mozambique Wattsia mossambica...... 26 Seabream, Robinson’s Gymnocranius grandoculis...... 19 Seabream, swallowtail Gymnocranius elongatus...... 19 Sharptooth snapper Pristipomoides typus...... 43 Silver cobbler Arius midgleyi...... 62 Sixbar grouper Epinephelus sexfasciatus...... 11 Snapper Snapper, bluestriped Lutjanus kasmira...... 34 Snapper, brownstripe Lutjanus vitta...... 39 Snapper, cocoa Paracaesio stonei...... 40 Snapper, crimson Lutjanus erythropterus...... 33 Snapper, darktail Lutjanus lemniscatus...... 35 Snapper, fiveline Lutjanus quinquelineatus...... 36 Snapper, flame Etelis coruscans...... 28

Index of common names 77 Snapper, goldband Pristipomoides multidens...... 42 Snapper, golden Lutjanus johnii...... 35 Snapper, goldflag Pristipomoides auricilla...... 41 Snapper, Indonesian Lutjanus bitaeniatus...... 31 Snapper, lavender Pristipomoides sieboldii...... 42 Snapper, Maori Lutjanus rivulatus...... 37 Snapper, moluccan Lutjanus boutton...... 32 Snapper, Moses Lutjanus russelli...... 37 Snapper, oblique-banded Pristipomoides zonatus...... 43 Snapper, ornate Pristipomoides argyrogrammicus...... 40 Snapper, pale ruby Etelis radiosus...... 29 Snapper, rosy Pristipomoides filamentosus...... 41 Snapper, ruby Etelis carbunculus...... 28 Snapper, saddleback Paracaesio kusakarii...... 39 Snapper, saddletail Lutjanus malabaricus...... 36 Snapper, sharptooth Pristipomoides typus...... 43 Snapper, stripey Lutjanus carponotatus...... 32 Snapper, tang’s Lipocheilus carnolabrum...... 29 Spangled emperor Lethrinus nebulosus...... 23 Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus commerson...... 67 Spotcheek emperor Lethrinus rubrioperculatus...... 25 Spotted mackerel Scomberomorus munroi...... 67 Stripey snapper Lutjanus carponotatus...... 32 Swallowtail seabream Gymnocranius elongatus...... 19

T Tang’s snapper Lipocheilus carnolabrum...... 29 Threadfin Threadfin, blue Eleutheronema tetradactylum...... 62 Threadfin bream, rosy Nemipterus furcosus...... 57 Threadfin, king Polydactylus macrochir...... 64 Threadfin pearl perch Glaucosoma magnificum...... 56 Tille trevally Caranx tille...... 46 Tomato rockcod Cephalopholis sonnerati...... 3 Trevally Trevally, golden Gnathanodon speciosus...... 47 Trevally, goldspotted Carangoides fulvoguttatus...... 46 Trevally, longnose Carangoides chrysophrys...... 45

78 Index of common names Trevally, onion Carangoides caeruleopinnatus...... 45 Trevally, tille Caranx tille...... 46 Tripletail Lobotes surinamensis...... 63 Trout Trout, barcheeked coral Plectropomus maculatus...... 16 Trout, bluespotted coral Plectropomus laevis...... 15 Trout, common coral Plectropomus leopardus...... 16 Trout, passionfruit coral Plectropomus areolatus...... 14 Trout, white edge coronation Variola albimarginata...... 18 Trout, yellow edge coronation Variola louti...... 18 Tuna Tuna, dogtooth Gymnosarda unicolor...... 66 Tuna, longtail Thunnus tonggol...... 70 Tuna, yellowfin Thunnus albacares...... 69 Tuskfish Tuskfish, blackspot Choerodon schoenleinii...... 51 Tuskfish, blue Choerodon cyanodus...... 51 Tuskfish, bluespotted Choerodon cauteroma...... 50 Tuskfish, eyebrow Choerodon zamboangae...... 52

V Vermicular cod Plectropomus oligacanthus...... 17

W Wahoo Acanthocybium solandri...... 66 Western yellowfin bream Acanthopagrus latus...... 61 White edge coronation trout Variola albimarginata...... 18 Wrasse Wrasse, humphead Maori Cheilinus undulatus...... 49

Y Yellowback bream Dentex tumifrons...... 54 Yellow edge coronation trout Variola louti...... 18 Yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares...... 69 Yellowlip emperor Lethrinus xanthochilus...... 25 Yellow spotted rockcod Epinephelus areolatus...... 4 Yellowtail emperor Lethrinus atkinsoni...... 20

Index of common names 79