Perth-Fish-Book_Web

Perth Fish
EXPLORE,IDENTIFY,ENJOY!
Dianne McLean & Michael Taylor

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Perth Fish
EXPLORE, IDENTIFY,ENJOY!
Dianne McLean & Michael Taylor

Published by the Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia
www.oceans.uwa.edu.au
© Dianne McLean and Michael Taylor, 2018
This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for purposes of private study,
research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may
be reproduced by any process without written permission. Inquiries should be made to
the publisher.
Disclaimer: We have made every effort to obtain the necessary permissions for reproducing
copyright and official material. Should a credit have been inadvertently omitted, please contact
the publisher.
The information in this book is based on the authors’ experiences and research, and is intended
as an additional resource only. The information contained should not be solely relied upon when
making decisions relating to swimming, snorkelling, diving, fishing, etc.
ISBN 978-1-74052-405-6
A catalogue record for this book is available from the National Library of Australia
Designer: Charmaine Cave, Cave Design
Printer: UniPrint
Cover photos: Wayne Osborn (inset), Anna Cresswell (background)
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Contents
Purpose 4
OVERVIEW 5
Whadjuk Noongar Land 5
Perth’s unique marine environment 6
Fish features 7
There is no place like home 10
Human impacts on fish 12
Rubbish 12
Coastal development 13
Fishing 15
Climate change 18
Protecting our fish 20
Artificial reefs for fish 22
Explore and enjoy our ocean 27
Go fish! 33
Amazing fish facts 34
Gender bending fish 34
Poisonous fish 35
Ancient fish 36
Fish Identification 38
SPECIES IDENTIFICATION GUIDE 41

Key to Species Identification Guide 42
Temperature regions of Western Australia 43
Image credits 80
Glossary 81
Further reading 82
Index 83
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Purpose
To engage primary and secondary school children in marine science by developing
knowledge and promoting an appreciation of fish life off our coast.
4
OVERVIEW
Whadjuk Noongar Land
Perth sits on Whadjuk Noongar boodja, the land of the Whadjuk Noongar
people. The Noongar are the traditional owners of the south-west of
Western Australia. For over 45,000 years the Noongar people have inhabited
this region and are still one of the largest and proudest indigenous groups
in Australia.
The ocean was, and still is, important to the Noongar people, with
Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) being of particular importance. Wadjemup was
historically an important meeting place and a very spiritual area. Passed
down through the oral history of the Noongar over thousands of years, this
island is known to the Whadjuk people as the resting place of the spirits,
where those that have died go to journey towards the afterlife. When the
spirits are ready to leave, they travel west on a whale to Kooranup, the true
afterlife, over the horizon where the spirits can rest.
We respectfully acknowledge the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation as

the traditional custodians of this land that we are lucky enough to enjoy.
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Perth’s unique marine environment
The sea around Perth is home to an amazing diversity and abundance
of marine life. Here, the Indian Ocean possesses a mix of southern cool
temperate water and warm tropical water of the Leeuwin current. The
Leeuwin Current flows southwards along our coast transporting the eggs,
larvae and juveniles of all kinds of ocean life – including fish. Weakest
in summer, strongest in autumn and winter, the Leeuwin Current brings
many tropical species to our southern waters providing a unique mix of
cold and warm water fish species off our coast.
A juvenile bullethead parrotfish (Chlororus spilurus), this tropical species is sometimes found
around the Perth area.
Fish larvae, brought south by the Leeuwin

Current
Did you know?

In Australia, there are over 5250 different types (species)
of fish and nearly 1300 of these fish species are found
nowhere else on Earth.
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Fish features
In the ocean off Perth, we have fish of all shapes and sizes. The smallest
is probably the twospot eviota (Eviota bimaculata), a goby, which reaches a
maximum size of 2.5 cm. We also have very large fish, such as great white
sharks (Carcharodon carcharias), which can reach 6 m in length and tiger
sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) which can reach 5.5 m.
Fish are vertebrates, with a backbone, and fall into two main categories:
(1) Bony fish with skeletons made of bone
(2) Cartilaginous fish with skeletons made of cartilage
The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), one of the largest and most efficient
predators in the ocean, can be found off the coast of Perth.
Did you know?

Some fish can breathe and survive out of the water.
Rockskippers are types of blennies that can sometimes be
found hiding on rocks exposed by the falling tide around
Perth and Rottnest Island.
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All sharks and rays are in the cartilaginous group; with their lightweight
skeletons, and livers full of oil, they can remain buoyant and float in the
water. Bony fish cannot rely on oils and lightweight skeletons to keep
them afloat and so many have a swim bladder, an air filled balloon inside
their body, to stop them sinking.
Dorsal fin
Lateral line
Gill cover
Caudal fin
Mouth
Pectoral fin
Anal fin
Caudal fin
Snout Eye Pelvic fin Dorsal fin
Pectoral fin
Mouth Gill openings Anal fin
Pelvic fin
General anatomy of a bony fish and a cartilaginous shark
Close up images of denticles. Shark denticles look and feel rough, but cut through the water
helping them swim quickly and silently.
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Fish skin is protected in a number of different ways. The majority of fishes
have scales to act as protection from the environment and predators, while
others rely on slimy mucus released by glands across their body. Sharks
have denticles covering their skin. These are like small teeth and are very
rough to touch. Despite this roughness, the shape of the denticles allow
sharks to swim faster and quieter through the water.
While most animals cannot breathe in water, fishes can. Fish take in water
and filter it through their gills, where oxygen is extracted and absorbed
into their blood stream. Many fish can filter water without moving by
pumping water over their gills, others, including the largest sharks, must
keep moving to force water over their gills. If these species, known as ram
ventilators, were to stop moving they would eventually run out of oxygen.
As well as being able to see and hear, fish also have senses that are alien
to us. The lateral line that runs down the side of a fish’s body can detect
small vibrations in their environment. Fish can also detect changes in
pressure and water current. Some species, including sharks, can detect
chemicals (or smells), and electric currents created by the movement of
other animals in the water.
All these adaptations have led to an amazing amount of diversity in fish

and makes the ocean an incredible place to see, study, explore and enjoy.
7 brain 1
3
5
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Sharks have a variety of senses to help them find prey. The brain coordinates these senses
and its size depends on where the shark lives and how it hunts (great white sharks actually
have quite small brains for their size). Here we can see the sensory organs for (1) sight, (2)
electrical fields, (3) smell, (4) taste/touch, (5) touch, (6) vibration/water pressure, and (7)
hearing/balance. Sharks use all of these senses to understand the ocean around them, and to
help them to be such successful predators.
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There is no place
like home
Fish in the Indian Ocean have all
sorts of homes, depending on their
particular requirements. Some fish,
like the McCulloch’s scalyfin (Parma
mccullochi), are herbivores and
territorial. They eat algae and do not
stray far from their homes in and
around rocky ledges on macroalgae-
covered reefs.
King George whiting (Sillaginoides

punctata) is a demersal (seabed
associated) species that undertakes
seasonal or annual migrations
between places that they feed
and places that they go to spawn.
Often juvenile King George whiting
will be found in shallow seagrass
meadows where they can feed and
seek shelter. As they get older, they
move to deeper areas around rocky
reefs. While young King George
do not move far on a day-to-day
basis, adults can move quite large
distances, even up to several hundred
kilometres to spawning grounds.
Samsonfish (Seriola hippos) are a

pelagic, schooling species that occur
in coastal and inshore waters. Unlike
territorial species with limited home
ranges, samsonfish undertake long-
distance migrations. Large spawning
aggregations form near Rottnest with
some individuals travelling >2000 km
to get there!
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The territorial McCullough’s scalyfin
(Parma mccullochi)
The demersal King George whiting

(Sillaginoides punctata)
The pelagic samsonfish (Seriola hippos)
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Human impacts on fish
Unfortunately, nowhere on Earth is free from the influence of humans. We
pose the biggest threat to our oceans and fish life through impacts such as
rubbish, coastal development, fishing and climate change.
Rubbish
West Australians throw out an average of over 2 kg of rubbish per person
every day and over 50% of this rubbish is not recycled. This rubbish has to
go somewhere – all too often it can end up in the ocean.
Did you know?

Worldwide an estimated 4.8-12.7 million tonnes of plastic
entered the ocean in 2010. Up to 94% of that plastic ends
up on the seafloor, with the rest floating in the water or
washing up on our beaches.
In Australia, at least 77 marine species have been recorded as being

impacted by plastic in the ocean, with the greatest threat being from
discarded fishing equipment such as nets and traps. Lost fishing gear can
‘ghost fish’, tangling marine creatures and causing a slow and painful
death. Fish can also ingest (eat) small bits of plastic which can cause them
harm. Next time you catch and eat a fish have a look in its stomach for
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tiny bits of plastic. But it is not just fish affected by rubbish in the ocean,
entanglement and ingestion of plastics has been recorded in 86% of sea
turtle species, 44% of seabirds, 43% of mammals and 60% of squid.
Coastal development
Around the world over a billion people live in coastal areas. We love to live
near the ocean. However, when people live near the ocean they must clear
land and build houses. We dig up, or dredge, the ocean to allow ships to
enter and trade. We build sea defences, marinas, and harbours to make
sure our ships and shore are safe. Bridges are built to allow people to move
safely and quickly around. We even build desalination plants to provide
freshwater for us to drink.
Coastal development can remove (dredge) or build over marine habitats

and modify local currents and waves. When we build or farm by the ocean,
or along rivers that feed into the ocean, we remove vegetation, affect the
flow of freshwater into the ocean and change nutrient levels. A build-up
of nutrients is called eutrophication. This nutrient build up causes plants
and algae to grow dramatically. These plants absorb the oxygen in the
water creating a toxic environment where fish cannot breathe. In severe
instances, this can lead to mass fish deaths.
Often the structures we build can end up being reefs for marine life. Many
jetties are favourite snorkel and dive spots where you can see colourful
invertebrates growing on the pillars and a great diversity of fish life.
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Fishing
There are two main types of fishing:
(1) Commercial fishing - where people require a special licence to

catch fish to sell.
(2) Recreational fishing - where people catch fish for fun or for food
but do not sell fish.
Both require different types of licences and are subject to different rules
and restrictions (www.fish.wa.gov.au).
Fishing is a fantastically fun activity to do, but don’t catch or keep more
than you need. The idea that there are plenty of fish in the sea is not always
true. Overfishing occurs when fish are removed from the ocean faster than
they can reproduce and grow. If this continues over an extended period,
fish populations can crash. This is particularly true for species that mature
slowly and live a long time, such as the western blue groper (Achoerodus
gouldii), which can live up to 70 years! We have to carefully monitor and
manage how many fish are caught each year to prevent this happening.
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Did you know?
The most valuable commercial fishery in Western Australia
is not actually for a fish! The Western rock lobster (Panulirus
cygnus) fishery is worth up to $500 million a year.
Bycatch can also be a problem in fisheries, especially from large boats

towing trawl nets. Bycatch refers to a fish or other marine animal that
is caught unintentionally. Often these animals are returned to the ocean
but their method of capture, or how long they are out of the water, will
affect their ability to survive after they are released. In Western Australia,
commercial fishers use a range of devices to minimise bycatch. Prawn
trawlers use large holding tanks to keep bycatch alive so that it can be
safely released.
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A whale shark (Rhincodon typus) tangled in a net. This is actually in Indonesia and luckily
local research scientists were on hand to release the shark and track it to learn more about
the shark’s movements.
Did you know?

Fishing is banned in less than 2% of the world’s ocean.
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Climate change
One of the greatest problems facing the world is climate change, with
temperatures on the land and in the ocean rising. While warmer weather
seems like it would be fun, it can have a negative impact on animals, and
climate change has resulted in more extreme and unpredictable weather.
The warming of the oceans is a major issue for fish, corals, and other
ocean life.
Climate change is caused by humans. Loss of forests, pollution from burning

fossil fuels, and gas released by farm animals are all major contributors
to greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide
and methane act to trap heat within our atmosphere which increases
temperatures. As the temperature rises we are likely to experience more
rainfall, changeable seasons, reduced sea ice and rising sea levels.
For the oceans, and the fish in them, climate change is a major issue.
Most fish have no control of their body temperature and their temperature
mirrors that of the surrounding water. Increasing sea temperatures can
Sea ice is melting rapidly
The greenhouse gases released by burning Tropical fish are being seen more often in
fossil fuels are a major contributor to climate areas usually home to colder water fish
change
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affect their growth rates, reproduction, swimming and behaviour. As
temperatures rise many fish species are slowly moving towards the poles
to cooler water. This is called a range shift or range extension. If you spot
a tropical fish species in local Perth waters you can log this sighting at
‘Redmap’ which is a Range Extension Database & Mapping project (www.
redmap.org.au).
Climate change also causes changes in ocean chemistry with acidification

influencing reproduction and also reducing coral growth. Corals are
particularly threatened with large areas bleaching and dying in response
to extreme temperatures. Sea level rise brings other issues, with important
marine habitats like mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs likely to
suffer as water levels change.
This coral from the Great Barrier Reef has been bleached, losing its colour. If the coral dies it
will reduce the amount of shelter and food available to fish
Did you know?

Most fish are cold blooded with their body temperature
controlled by the water they swim in. Some sharks have
the ability to warm their body to 10-15˚C higher than the
surrounding water. This allows them to use quick bursts of
energy even in cold water.
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Protecting our fish
Mary Cove, within the Green Island

Sanctuary Zone, Rottnest Island
In Australia, and around the world, we have two main approaches to

protecting fish.
(1) Fishing restrictions limit how, where, and when we fish, as well as the
number and size of fish we catch. There are separate restrictions for
commercial and recreational fishers.
(2) Designation of marine parks or protected areas where fishing is not

allowed, or is limited. By doing this we can protect fish and the habitat
in these areas from fishing.
One of the main restrictions we can place on fishing is limiting how we

fish. There are lots of ways to catch a fish, e.g. a fishing rod or dragging
large nets behind a boat. Some of the more destructive fishing methods
are banned – like fishing with explosives or with poisons, while others
(e.g. trawling) are restricted to certain areas and to equipment designed
to be less destructive to habitats.
Australia has some of the most well managed fisheries in the world and the
majority of commercial operations are sustainable. However, we import
much of the fish we eat from other nations around the world, and many of
these nations have much worse records in protecting and managing their
fish populations. You can help to protect fish stocks by only buying and
eating sustainable, locally caught fish.
Around Perth there are a number of protected and managed areas. Among
them are Marmion Marine Park, the Port Coogee maritime trail area, the
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Swan Estuary Marine Park and at Rottnest there is Kingston Reef, Parker
Point, Green Island, West End and Armstrong Marine Sanctuary Zones.
Cottesloe reef is within a fish habitat protection zone where you can
recreationally fish but no commercial fishing or spearfishing is allowed.
More information about these protected areas and the restrictions put in
place can be found on the Rottnest Island Authority (http://ria.wa.gov.au/)
and Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (https://
www.dbca.wa.gov.au/) websites.
Some of the beautiful rocky reefs that can be explored in Marmion Marine Park
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Artificial reefs for fish
Reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. In an attempt
to attract fish to areas and increase diversity we can build homes for fish
to live in (artificial reefs). Artificial reefs are created out of a range of
materials from car tyres, to concrete blocks, and even old ships. Many
reefs are built to improve biodiversity and to conserve important fish
species, but others are used to improve fishing, encourage surfing, or to
attract divers and snorkellers.
Around Perth there are a number of artificial reefs. South Cottesloe has
a reef designed to create waves for surfers, large artificial structures
designed to attract fish can be found to the south of Rottnest Island and
Port Coogee has an artificial reef designed especially for snorkellers and
SCUBA divers.
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Coogee Maritime Trail
The most accessible artificial reef in Perth is located south of Fremantle

in North Coogee. The Coogee Maritime Trail is a dive and snorkel trail
that starts at the wreck of the Omeo, a steamship which sank in 1905, and
includes a purpose built artificial reef. No fishing or boating is allowed
in the area making this a sheltered and easily accessible site to snorkel,
explore and see many of the fish mentioned in this book.
The Omeo wreck sticks up out of the ocean and can be seen from the steps
leading to the water. In the 1800s the Omeo laid cables on the seabed to
allow communication between Australia and Britain, now it is a home for
all sorts of fish and invertebrate life. At 20 m long, there are plenty of
nooks and crannies for cryptic fish to hide out in, and lots of space for
marine invertebrates and algae to grow.
The Coogee Maritime Trail—The wreck of the Omeo is the first thing you see when you enter
the water
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In 2016, additional artificial structures were installed to create a full dive
and snorkel trail that highlights the maritime history of the area and the
marine life that can be seen in our local waters.
Starting at the wreck the Coogee Maritime Trail includes 33 structures,

designed to attract fish and marine growth, which run parallel to the
marina wall from the shallows to a distance of 250 m offshore. A variety
of different shaped reef structures were installed by Subcon to create the
maritime trail, including “Apollo clusters” which look similar to the front
of a NASA rocket, and a large “Reef Pyramid” which marks the end of the
trail. Various historical items have been sunk to the seabed and signs with
information on the maritime trail, the sea life around it, and the history of
the area can be seen underwater.
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Amongst the reef, artwork created by
local artists can be found including
“Stella Maris”, by Melanie Maclou,
a large sea star which can be swum
through, and a life-size metal sea
lion who, depending on the tide,
may be sticking his nose out of the
water to say hello!
Over 50 species of fish and a

range of invertebrates and habitat
types have been seen around this
sheltered wreck trail. If you are
lucky and keep your eyes peeled you
may be able to spot rays on the sand
and seagrass surrounding the reef
as well as schools of trumpeters,
colourful dragonets, stripeys, and
western talma around the reef Sculptures, like this sea lion, are an
structures. Once you have swum important part of the snorkel trail
out and explored the wreck and reef
structures, remember to explore
the rocks of the marina wall.
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The overhangs and marine growth make an excellent sheltered hiding
spot for some of the more timid, better camouflaged species that you can
see while exploring this site.
Remember to check that the ocean is safe before getting in the water.
While this site is sheltered, if the sea is rough it can be dangerous. It is
always best to make sure the sea is calm before you explore as you will
have a better, safer time in the ocean and you will see a lot more.
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Explore and enjoy our ocean
One of the best ways to learn about the ocean and to get to know the fish
that live there is to get out there yourself. Grab your snorkel and fins and
get out there to see some of the amazing animals that make the ocean
their home.
There are plenty of sites to snorkel, and explore, up and down the
Perth coastline. We also have Rottnest Island on our doorstep which is
a snorkeller’s dream. Much of the marine life around Perth can be seen
without swimming far from the shore. Finding and identifying fish in the
shallows around the coast is really fun, but there are also lots of interesting
habitats and invertebrates to discover along the way.
Snorkelling with a ‘snorkel buddy’. It is always safer to swim with a friend
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Nudibranchs, or sea slugs, are colourful invertebrates that can be seen crawling over reefs
around Perth
An octopus, one of the smartest creatures in A jellyfish. Some can sting and the tentacles
the sea of some can provide shelter to juvenile fish
Invertebrates can be found in every part of the coast of Perth. Crabs and
lobsters tuck themselves away in caves and under ledges. Nudibranchs
can be found swimming in the water or crawling over rocks. Urchins
feed on the algae growing on rocks while squid and octopus can be found
swimming or hiding in a number of different habitats.
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While the Coogee Maritime Trail is a great man-made site to snorkel
and explore, there are other snorkelling points up and down our
coast. An easy swimming and snorkelling spot to access is located
just south of Perth’s famous Cottesloe beach. Cottesloe Reef Fish
Habitat Protection Area possesses a reef system that runs for over
4 km with Mudurup Rocks and Cottesloe beach being at its centre.
You do not need to swim far from the shore to see some really
interesting marine life; from urchins and anemones to rock lobster
and an array of fish life including morwongs, sea sweeps, eels, and
maybe even seahorses.
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Mettam’s Pool is a beautiful sheltered spot that is perfect for snorkelling in the summer
Another great spot is Mettam’s Pool in North Beach. Here the rocky reef
protects a sheltered sandy lagoon all within the larger Marmion Marine
Park. The result is a shallow protected snorkelling site with lots of nooks
and crannies to explore. See if you can spot a red-lip morwong, banded
sweep, bullseyes, whiting and schools of tarwhine. If you venture out of
the lagoon there is more to see and explore, but it is less protected and
more dangerous be sure to go with a buddy and wait for calm conditions.
During sunny summer days this a beautiful spot for snorkelling, but in
winter things change and the sea becomes rougher. At this time of year
snorkelling is not recommended, but grab a surfboard and you may get a
wave.
Remember to stay safe in the ocean. It is best to swim with friends and
an adult, and make sure someone is keeping an eye on you from the shore
and knows where you are going. Look at the water before getting in, watch
for rips and stay clear of boats, surfers, fishers and waves near rocks. We
usually swim in wetsuits as it keeps us warm, allowing us to stay in the
water longer, and protects us if we bump into rocks. Stay hydrated and
make sure you are protected from the sun. Above all enjoy yourself and
stay safe.
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Go fish!
Fishing is a fantastic way to get outside and enjoy our local marine
environment. To be a great fisher you need some essentials:
• A rod and reel with fishing line, hook, sinker and swivel
• Bait
• Burley to attract fish
• A bucket and rag
• A knife to scale and clean your fish
• Suncream, hat and water
• A ruler to measure your fish.
Recfishwest have lots of information in their ‘kids corner’ to help you on

your fishing adventure (https://ilovefishing.com.au/kids-corner/).
There are lots of places around Perth to fish. Some of the most popular
places include jetties (Point Walter, Woodman Point) and breakwaters/
groynes (Fremantle, Hillarys). You can also catch fish off many beaches.
Some of the most popular fish to catch around Perth include: herring,
skippy, whiting, tarwhine and flathead. See if you can find them in the
back of this book!
Did you know?

There are over 33,000 species of fish in the world, and it
is likely that up to 10,000 more species exist that have not
yet been discovered. In total there are more fish species
than there are species of mammals, birds and reptiles
combined.
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Amazing fish facts
Fish are not only fun to look at, they can do amazing things. If you gave
us enough time we could fill one hundred books with fish facts, but here
are a few that we think are truly amazing.
Gender bending fish

Many fish can change gender! Fish that can do this are called hermaphroditic
species. Sequential hermaphroditism, where an individual starts as one
gender and switches to another during its life, is common in fish. Some
fish species change from male to female (protandry) and many more
change from female to male (protogyny). There are some rare species that
can even switch back and forth when they need to (serial bi-directional
sex change). Female to male sex change is the most common and can
be seen in many species of wrasse and damselfish including some found
around Perth like the western king wrasse (Coris auricularis).
Male to female sex change is rarer, but is known in clownfish where a

large female lives with multiple subordinate males. When this female dies,
or is removed, the largest of the males develops into a female and takes
over. Remember Finding Nemo? Perhaps Marlin should have turned into a
girl!
Western king wrasse (Coris auricularis) start out female (shown left) before turning into
the larger, dominant, male (right)
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Poisonous fish
The poisonous weeping toadfish (Torqui- A striped stingaree (Trygonoptera ovalis),

gener pleurogramma) is common around this species has a venomous spine on its tail
Perth to use when they are threatened
Some fish are poisonous to eat. One of the most famous is the pufferfish.
In Japan, these are prepared as Fugu and are a delicacy, but if they are
prepared wrong, they could kill you.
Ciguatera poisoning, from fish, can also be dangerous to humans. It is

caused by toxins produced by tiny microorganisms. The toxins are eaten
by small fish feeding on algae on coral reefs which are then eaten by
larger fish. If a human eats the flesh of a fish infected with ciguatera
poisoning they can get very ill. Most cases have come from large predatory
fish caught in the tropics, so it is worth making sure that you are eating
local, responsibly caught fish.
Other fish species are venomous, with spines that cause painful stings if
they inject venom. Most of these venomous fish, like stingrays, stonefish,
cobbler and scorpionfish, will cause a lot of pain. The most effective way to
minimise pain is to treat with hot water, but sometimes medical attention
is required.
Did you know?

Fish can talk! By grinding their teeth or drumming on
their swim bladders, many species of fish can make noises
to communicate with fish of the same or sometimes
different species.
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Ancient fish
The biggest predatory shark ever to live is the megalodon, thought to grow
to nearly 20 m in length. Each tooth in its jaw could be up to 20 cm long.
Feeding on prehistoric whales and turtles, this huge predator would make
a great white shark look very small — in fact the pups of this species
would have been the size of a great white shark!
Scale in metres
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Carcharodon megalodon (maximum)

Carcharodon megalodon (conservative)
Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) – average
Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharius) – average
Estimated size of a megalodon compared to the whale shark, great white shark and a human
While megalodon is extinct, the coelocanth is considered a “living fossil”

because it was only known to scientists from fossils. We thought this fish
had gone extinct 66 million years ago until they were rediscovered by a
South African scientist in 1938. They are a link to the past and tell us a lot
about the evolution of fish.
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Did you know?
• The lungfish can live out of the water for several years. By creating a
cocoon and burying itself in the earth it can wait for water to come to
it. These fish are unique — as well as having gills, they have lungs like
we do.
• Flying fish often glide 50 m at a time, but have been seen to glide up to
200 m in one jump.
• The biggest fish in the sea is the whale shark. They can grow up to 17
m, live for 80 years and weigh 34 tonnes. Despite this they eat some of
the smallest organisms in the sea, plankton. They are gentle giants and
we are lucky enough to have them in Western Australia. Ningaloo Reef
in the north-west is the perfect place to go and see these incredible
creatures. With climate change, perhaps they will soon visit us in Perth.
• The deepest point in the ocean is Challenger Deep a section of the

Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean. At 10,994 metres deep you could
drop Mount Everest into it and it would not reach the surface. Only
three people have ever been to the bottom, less people than have stood
on the moon.
• Up to 99% of the ocean floor is unexplored. We know more about the

other planets in our solar system than we do about what is at the
bottom of the ocean. Beyond 200 m deep we know very little and are
finding new things all the time.
37
Fish Identification
To organise the fish that we see, we use a system to group species that
are similar.
We call this classification, and when we classify a species, we sort it into

different Taxonomic Ranks. Taxonomy mnemonics are a great way to
memorize scientific classification. They are made using the letters that
correspond to the initials of the primary taxonomic ranks KPCOFGS. You
can make up your own, or use this one ‘Kings Play Chess on Fibreglass
Surfboards’.
All fish are within the same Kingdom and Phylum as they are all animals
(Animalia) and all of them have a backbone (Chordata). It is at the class
level that the species included in this book begin to differ. Here they
split into Ray-Finned Fishes (Actinopterygii) and Cartilaginous Fishes
(Elasmobranchii). From here they are further split at the order and family
level. In this book the most common family are the wrasses (Labridae),
but in all we have included 106 species from 53 families all of which can
be viewed in our local waters.
Animalia
KINGDOM Animals
Chordata
PHYLUM
Vertebrates
Actinopterygii
CLASS Ray-Finned Fishes
ORDER Perciformes
Perch-Like Fishes
Serranidae
FAMILY
Sea Basses
GENUS Othos
SPECIES dentex } Harlequin Fish
An example of the classification and taxonomic ranks of the harlequin fish (Othos dentex)
38
39
We have started the identification guide with cartilaginous fish, these are
the sharks and rays and are some of the oldest types of fish in the world.
Sharks have been around for nearly 450 million years, while the oldest
bony fish fossil is from 420 million years ago.
Fish of the same family appear together, so finding the correct species
should not be too hard. If you are struggling, check the index at the back of
the book. Scientists most often use the scientific name to refer to species,
but we have also included the ‘common name’. The scientific name is a
combination of the genus and species name, it is written in Latin and
italics and is the same no matter where in the world you are.
Some of these species have not been studied well, but many others are
well known. If you want to learn more about these fish, and the others you
can find here and around Australia, we have provided a list of books and
websites at the back of the book where you can find out more.
We hope you enjoy exploring and learning about the ocean as much as we
do! See how many fish you can remember and identify when you next go
fishing or snorkelling.
40
SPECIES IDENTIFICATION GUIDE
41
Key to Species Identification Guide
DIETS
Algae Marine organisms that produce energy from sunlight (e.g. seaweed).
Fishes The stars of this book. Most fish that are eaten are smaller ray-finned fish.
Invertebrates Marine animals without a backbone including crustaceans (e.g. crabs and
shrimps), molluscs (e.g. shellfish), corals and cephalopods (e.g. squid)
Mammals Marine animals with a backbone and hair (e.g. seals and sea lions)
Plankton Drifting organisms that live in the water, usually very small they are carried by
the current.
HABITATS
Rocky Reef Rocky structures on the seafloor where animals and algae can survive and
grow. Often have lots of overhangs and caves.
Coral Reef Structures formed by corals, colonies of invertebrate organisms that build
rock like homes. Very colourful they create hiding spots for animals and other
organism to grow and live in.
Sandy Bottom Made up of sand, some fish burrow into it to rest or wait for prey.
Muddy Bottom Made up of silty mud, if disturbed it hangs in the water making it hard to see.
Seagrass Flowering plants that grow underwater. They form fields (or beds) that grow in
shallow sandy bottomed water and are important habitats for many juvenile
fish.
Macroalgae Seaweeds and other algae that grow on the seafloor and use sunlight to create
energy and grow.
Estuaries The mouth of a river where it meets the sea. Here fresh and saltwater mix
creating unique conditions.
Coastal Areas along the coastline, usually fairly shallow comprising a range of habitats.
Pelagic The water column, pelagic fish live in the open ocean and travel over a variety
of habitats. They can often be found hundreds of kilometres from the coastline.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Rating
The IUCN studies animals and decides if a species is at risk of extinction. If a species has been
surveyed, they are given a classification of their risk. In this book we have species from four of
the nine levels of classification:
• Least Concern These species are at lowest risk of endangerment.

• Near Threatened These species are likely to become endangered in the near future.
• Vulnerable These species are at high risk of endangerment in the wild.
• Not Classified These species are yet to be studied or there is too little information to classify
them. Most are not under threat, but some may be very rare.
42
Temperature regions of Western Australia
Ar afur a Sea
Timo r
Sea
DARWIN
I n d i a n
Ocean
TROPICAL
Northern
Territory
Que
AUSTRALIA
Western
Australia
SUB-TROPICAL South
Australia
PERTH
ADELAIDE
S o u t hern Ocean V
N
0 50100 200 300 400 500 600

Scale in Kilometres
TEMPERATE
43
IUCN Rating key: • Least concern • Near threatened • Vulnerable • Not classified
Elasmobranchii > Heterodontiformes > Heterodontidae
Port Jackson shark

Heterodontus portusjacksoni
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Rocky Reef; Sandy Bottom
Biology: Venomous spines; Mainly nocturnal
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 165
Elasmobranchii > Orectolobiformes > Orectolobidae
Cobbler wobbegong
Sutorectus tentaculatus
Diet: Invertebrates; Fishes

Habitat: Macroalgae; Rocky Reef
Biology: Exceptional camouflage
Region: Temperate
Elasmobranchii > Lamniformes > Odontaspididae
Grey nurse shark

Carcharias taurus

Biology: Potentially dangerous
Region: Subtropical
44
Endemic species native to (only found in) Australia
Elasmobranchii > Lamniformes > Lamnidae
Great white shark

Carcharodon carcharias
Diet: Fishes; Mammals

Habitat: Coastal; Pelagic
Biology: “Warm-blooded”; Extremely dangerous
Region: Subtropical and Temperate
Elasmobranchii > Rajiformes > Rhinobatidae
Southern fiddler ray

Trygonorrhina dumerilii
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Sandy Bottom; Seagrass
Biology: Mainly nocturnal
Region: Temperate
Elasmobranchii > Myliobatiformes > Dasyatidae
Smooth stingray
Bathytoshia brevicaudata
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Muddy Bottom; Rocky Reef; Sandy Bottom
Biology: World’s largest stingray; Venomous tail spine
Region: Temperate
45
Elasmobranchii > Myliobatiformes > Urolophidae
Striped stingaree
Trygonoptera ovalis
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Rocky Reef; Seagrass
Biology: Venomous tail spine; Mainly nocturnal
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 61
Elasmobranchii > Myliobatiformes > Urolophidae
Masked stingaree
Trygonoptera personata
Diet: Invertebrates
Biology: Venomous tail spine; Mainly nocturnal
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 47
Elasmobranchii > Myliobatiformes > Myliobatidae
Southern eagle ray

Myliobatis tenuicaudatus
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Rocky Reef; Sandy Bottom; Seagrass
Biology: Venomous tail spine
Region: Temperate
46
Australian Endemic
Actinopterygii > Clupeiformes > Clupeidae
Blue sprat
Spratelloides robustus
Diet: Plankton
Habitat: Coastal; Estuaries; Pelagic
Biology: Form large schools
Region: Subtropical and Temperate
Max Length (cm): 12
Actinopterygii > Anguilliformes > Muraenidae
Highfin moray
Gymnothorax pseudothyrsoideus

Habitat: Rocky Reef; Coral Reef
Biology: Scavenger; Shelters in holes and crevices
Region: Tropical
Max Length (cm): 80
Actinopterygii > Beloniformes > Hemiramphidae
Southern garfish
Hyporhamphus melanochir
Diet: Plankton
Habitat: Coastal; Seagrass
Biology: Schooling; usually swim just beneath the surface
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 52
47
Actinopterygii > Syngnathiformes > Syngnathidae
Leafy seadragon
Phycodurus eques
Diet: Plankton
Habitat: Macroalgae; Rocky Reef; Seagrass
Biology: Exceptional camouflage; Males brood eggs in a
pouch
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 35
Common seadragon
Phyllopteryx taeniolatus
Diet: Plankton
Biology: Males brood eggs in pouch
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 46
West Australian seahorse

Hippocampus subelongatus
Diet: Invertebrates
Biology: Males brood eggs in pouch
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 22
48
Australian Endemic
Actinopterygii > Scorpaeniformes > Scorpididae
Western red scorpionfish

Scorpaena sumptuosa
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Rocky Reef
Biology: Venomous spines
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 40
Actinopterygii > Scorpaeniformes > Platycephalidae
Southern bluespotted flathead

Platycephalus speculator

Habitat: Estuaries; Muddy Bottom; Sandy Bottom;
Macroalgae
Biology: Venomous spines; Mainly nocturnal
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 90
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Epinephelinae
Breaksea cod
Epinephelides armatus

Habitat: Rocky Reef
Biology: Curious, often approach divers
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 56
49
Black-banded seaperch
Hypoplectrodes nigroruber

Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 30
Harlequin fish
Othos dentex
Diet: Fishes
Habitat: Rocky Reef
Biology: Large sharp teeth
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 75
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Latidae
Black sand bass

Psammoperca datnioides

Habitat: Macroalgae; Rocky Reef; Coral Reef
Biology: Pronounced lateral line
Region: Tropical
Max Length (cm): 47
50
Australian Endemic
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Plesiopidae
Southern blue devil

Paraplesiops meleagris
Adult
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Rocky Reef
Biology: Male guards eggs
Region: Temperate
Juvenile
Max Length (cm): 33
Bluelined hulafish
Trachinops brauni
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Rocky Reef
Biology: Male guards eggs; Form small aggregations
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 8
Yellowhead hulafish
Trachinops noarlungae
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Rocky Reef
Biology: Male guards eggs; Form small aggregations
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 15
51
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Glaucosomatidae
West Australian dhufish

Glaucosoma hebraicum

Habitat: Rocky Reef
Biology: Mainly nocturnal
Region: Temperate
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Terapontidae
Western striped grunter

Pelates octolineatus
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Sandy Bottom; Segrass
Biology: Male guards eggs; Form large schools
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 28
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Terapontidae
Sea trumpeter
Pelsartia humeralis
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Sandy Bottom; Segrass
Biology: Male guards eggs; Form schools
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 38
52
Australian Endemic
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Apogonidae
Western gobbleguts
Ostorhinchus rueppellii
Diet: Invertebrates
Biology: Mouthbrood often by males; Form pairs to breed;
Mainly nocturnal; form aggregations
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 12
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Apogonidae
Western striped cardinalfish

Ostorhinchus victoriae
Diet: Invertebrates
Biology: Mouthbrood often by males; Form pairs to
breed; Mainly nocturnal; form aggregations
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 8
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Sillaginidae
King George whiting

Sillaginodes punctatus
Diet: Invertebrates
Biology: Juveniles form schools
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 72
53
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Sillaginidae
Southern school whiting

Sillago bassensis
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Sandy Bottom
Biology: Form schools
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 33
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Pomatomidae
Tailor
Pomatomus saltatrix

Biology: “Warm-blooded”; Aggressive predator; Forms
loose schools
Region: Subtropical
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Echeneidae
Sharksucker
Echeneis naucrates

Biology: Attaches to and swims with large marine
species
Region: Subtropical
54
Australian Endemic
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Carangidae
Silver trevally
Pseudocaranx georgianus
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Coastal; Estuaries; Sandy Bottom; Rocky Reef
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 70
Yellowtail scad
Trachurus novaezelandiae
Diet: Plankton
Habitat: Estuaries; Coastal
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 50
Samsonfish
Seriola hippos

Habitat: Coastal; Rocky Reef
Biology: Fast swimming predator
Region: Temperate
55
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Arripidae
Australian herring
Arripis georgianus

Habitat: Coastal; Estuaries; Rocky Reef; Sandy Bottom
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 41
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Arripidae
Western Australian salmon

Arripis truttaceus

Habitat: Coastal; Estuaries; Rocky Reef; Sandy Bottom
Region: Temperate
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Sparidae
Tarwhine
Rhabdosargus sarba
Adult
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Estuaries; Rocky Reef; Macroalgae
Region: Subtropical
Juvenile Max Length (cm): 80
56
Australian Endemic
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Sparidae
Pink snapper
Chrysophrys auratus

Habitat: Estuaries; Rocky Reef; Seagrass
Region: Subtropical
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Lethrinidae
Spangled emperor
Lethrinus nebulosus
Colour change

Habitat: Coral Reef; Rocky Reef; Sandy Bottom;
Seagrass
Biology: Can change colour; Form small schools
Region: Tropical
Colour change
Max Length (cm): 87
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Haemulidae
Goldspotted sweetlips
Plectorhinchus flavomaculatus

Biology: Form pairs to breed; Mainly nocturnal
Region: Tropical
Max Length (cm): 60
57
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Nemipteridae
Western butterfish
Pentapodus vitta
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Coral Reef; Rocky Reef; Seagrass
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 26
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Mullidae
Blacksaddle goatfish
Parupeneus spilurus
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Estuaries; Rocky Reef; Sandy Bottom; Seagrass
Biology: Uses chin barbels (whiskers) to find food
Region: Tropical
Max Length (cm): 50
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Mullidae
Bluespotted goatfish
Upeneichthys vlamingii
Diet: Invertebrates
Biology: Form small schools; Uses chin barbels
(whiskers) to find food
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 35
58
Australian Endemic
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Monodactylidae
Western pomfred
Schuettea woodwardi
Diet: Plankton
Habitat: Rocky Reef
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 24
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Pempherididae
Rough bullseye
Pempheris klunzingeri
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Rocky Reef
Biology: Form small schools; Bioluminescent; Mainly
nocturnal
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 18
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Pempherididae
Bigscale bullseye
Pempheris multiradiata
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Rocky Reef
Biology: Form small aggregations; Bioluminescent;
Mainly nocturnal
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 28
59
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Kyphosidae
Zebrafish
Girella zebra
Diet: Algae
Habitat: Estuaries; Macroalgae; Rocky Reef; Sandy Bottom
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 34
Western buffalo bream

Kyphosus cornelii
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Rocky Reef
Biology: Form small schools; Mainly nocturnal
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 18
Silver drummer
Kyphosus sydneyanus
Diet: Algae
Biology: Form large Schools
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 80
60
Australian Endemic
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Scorpididae
Stripey
Microcanthus strigatus
Adult
Diet: Algae; Invertebrates
Habitat: Rocky Reef
Biology: Form large aggregations
Region: Tropical
Max Length (cm): 16
Juvenile
Footballer sweep
Neatypus obliquus
Diet: Algae
Biology: Form large aggregations
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 22
Sea sweep
Scorpis aequipinnis
Diet: Plankton
Habitat: Rocky Reef
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 40
61
Banded sea sweep

Scorpis georgiana
Diet: Plankton
Habitat: Rocky Reef
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 33
Moonlighter
Tilodon sexfasciatus
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Estuaries; Rocky Reef
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 40
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Chaetodontidae
Western butterflyfish
Chaetodon assarius

Biology: Form small aggregations; Form pairs to breed
Region: Tropical
Max Length (cm): 16
62
Australian Endemic
Racoon butterflyfish
Chaetodon lunula
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Coral Reef; Rocky Reef
Biology: Form pairs to breed; Mainly Nocturnal
Region: Tropical
Max Length (cm): 20
Western talma
Chelmonops curiosus
Adult
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Rocky Reef
Biology: Form pairs to breed
Region: Subtropical
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Enoplosidae
Old wife
Enoplosus armatus
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Estuaries; Macroalgae; Rocky Reef; Seagrass
Biology: Venomous spines. Often form large aggregations
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 50
63
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Pomacentridae
Indo-Pacific sergeant
Abudefduf vaigiensis

Biology: Form pairs to breed; Male guards eggs
Region: Tropical
Max Length (cm): 20
McCulloch’s scalyfin
Parma mccullochi
Adult
Diet: Algae
Habitat: Rocky Reef
Biology: Territorial; Form pairs to breed; Male guards eggs
Region: Subtropical
Blackhead puller
Chromis klunzingeri
Diet: Plankton
Habitat: Coral Reef
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 6.5
64
Australian Endemic
West Australian puller

Chromis westaustralis
Diet: Plankton
Region: Tropical
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Cheilodactylidae
Crested morwong
Cheilodactylus gibbosus

Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 60
Redlip morwong
Cheilodactylus rubrolabiatus
Diet: Invertebrates
Region: Tropical
Max Length (cm): 40
65
Dusky morwong
Dactylophora nigricans
Diet: Invertebrates
Region: Temperate
Blue morwong
Nemadactylus valenciennesi
Diet: Invertebrates
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 90
Actinopterygii > Mugiliformes > Mugilidae
Sea mullet
Mugil cephalus

Habitat: Estuaries; Sandy Bottom
Region: Subtropical
66
Australian Endemic
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Sphyraenidae
Longfin pike
Dinolestes lewini
Diet: Fishes
Region: Subtropical
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Labridae
Western blue groper

Achoerodus gouldii
Male
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Rocky Reef
Biology: Hermaphrodite (female→male); Form pairs to
breed
Region: Temperate
Female Max Length (cm): 175
Scribbled wrasse
Anampses geographicus
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Coral Reef; Macroalgae; Rocky Reef
breed
Region: Tropical
Max Length (cm): 31
67
Foxfish
Bodianus frenchii
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Rocky Reef
breed
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 45
Western king wrasse

Coris auricularis
Male
Diet: Invertebrates
breed; Live in groups with dominant male
Region: Subtropical
Female
Max Length (cm): 40
Brownfield’s wrasse
Halichoeres brownfieldi
Adult
Diet: Invertebrates
Biology: Hermaphrodite (female→male)
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 15
Juvenile
68
Australian Endemic
Blackspotted wrasse
Austrolabrus maculatus
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Rocky Reef
breed
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 13
Common cleanerfish
Labroides dimidiatus
Adult
Diet: Invertebrates; Plankton
Biology: Hermaphrodite (female→male); Form cleaning
stations where they live and clean other fish of invertebrate
parasites
Region: Tropical
Juvenile
Max Length (cm): 14
Redspot wrasse
Stethojulis bandanensis
Male
Diet: Invertebrates
Region: Tropical
Max Length (cm): 15
Female
69
Moon wrasse
Thalassoma lunare
Adult
Diet: Invertebrates
Region: Subtropical
Juvenile
Max Length (cm): 45
Green moon wrasse

Thalassoma lutescens
Diet: Invertebrates
breed
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 30
Brownspotted wrasse
Notolabrus parilus
Male
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Rocky Reef
Biology: Hermaphrodite (female->male); Form pairs to
breed
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 45
Female
70
Australian Endemic
Redband wrasse
Pseudolabrus biserialis
Diet: Invertebrates
breed
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 18
Southern Maori wrasse

Ophthalmolepis lineolatus
Male
Diet: Invertebrates
breed
Region: Temperate
Baldchin groper
Choerodon rubescens
Diet: Invertebrates
breed
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 90
71
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Odacidae
Rainbow cale
Heteroscarus acroptilus
Diet: Algae
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 24
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Odacidae
Pencil weed whiting

Siphonognathus beddomei
Diet: Algae
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 12
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Scaridae
Steephead parrotfish
Chlorurus microrhinos
Adult
Diet: Algae
Biology: Forms Schools; Hermaphrodite (female→male)
Region: Tropical
Max Length (cm): 70
Juvenile
72
Australian Endemic
Bullethead parrotfish
Chlorurus spilurus
Male
Diet: Algae
Biology: Hermaphrodite (female -> male); Form pairs to
breed
Region: Tropical
Female
Max Length (cm): 40
Bluebarred parrotfish
Scarus ghobban
Diet: Algae
Habitat: Rocky Reef; Coral Reef; Sandy Bottom
breed
Region: Tropical
Max Length (cm): 90
Schlegel’s parrotfish
Scarus schlegeli
Male
Diet: Algae
Habitat: Rocky Reef; Coral Reef; Sandy Bottom
breed; Territorial
Region: Tropical
73
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Pinguipedidae
Wavy grubfish
Parapercis haackei
Diet: Algae
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 24
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Blenniidae
Filamentous blenny
Cirripectes filamentosus
Diet: Algae
Biology: Can tolerate a wide range of environmental
conditions
Region: Tropical
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Callionymidae
Finger dragonet
Dactylopus dactylopus
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Macroalgae; Sandy Bottom
Biology: Uses spines to ‘walk’ over bottom
Region: Tropical
Max Length (cm): 30
74
Australian Endemic
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Callionymidae
Longspine dragonet
Pseudocalliurichthys goodladi
Diet: Invertebrates
Biology: Well camouflaged
Region: Tropical
Max Length (cm): 22
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Gobiidae
Whitebarred goby
Amblygobius phalaena

Habitat: Macroalage; Rocky Reef; Seagrass
Biology: Form pairs to breed; Males brood eggs
Region: Tropical
Max Length (cm): 15
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Siganidae
Black rabbitfish
Siganus fuscescens
Diet: Algae
Biology: Venomous spines; Form schools
Region: Tropical
Max Length (cm): 40
75
Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Scombridae
Spanish mackerel
Scomberomorus commerson
Diet: Fishes
Biology: Form small schools
Region: Tropical
Actinopterygii > Pleuronectiformes > Paralichthyidae
Smalltooth flounder
Pseudorhombus jenynsii
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Estuaries; Muddy Bottom; Sandy Bottom
Biology: Both eyes on same side of body as adults;
Mainly nocturnal
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 34
Actinopterygii > Tetraodontiformes > Monacanthidae
Yellowstriped leatherjacket
Meuschenia flavolineata

Habitat: Rocky Reef
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 30
76
Australian Endemic
Bluelined leatherjacket
Meuschenia galii

Habitat: Rocky Reef
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 34
Horseshoe leatherjacket
Meuschenia hippocrepis

Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 51
Fanbelly leatherjacket
Monacanthus chinensis

Habitat: Estuaries; Macroalgae; Rocky Reef; Sandy
Bottom
Region: Tropical
Max Length (cm): 38
77
Actinopterygii > Tetraodontiformes > Aracanidae
Western smooth boxfish

Anoplocapros amygdaloides
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Macroalgae; Rocky Reef; Sandy Bottom
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 30
Actinopterygii > Tetraodontiformes > Aracanidae
Whitebarred boxfish
Anoplocapros lenticularis
Male
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Macroalgae; Rocky Reef; Sandy Bottom
Region: Temperate
Max Length (cm): 33
Female
Actinopterygii > Tetraodontiformes > Tetraodontidae
Weeping toadfish
Torquigener pleurogramma
Diet: Invertebrates
Habitat: Estuaries; Coastal; Sandy Bottom
Biology: Poisonous
Region: Subtropical
Max Length (cm): 21
78
Australian Endemic
Actinopterygii > Tetraodontiformes > Tetraodontidae
North-west blowfish
Lagocephalus sceleratus

Biology: Poisonous
Region: Tropical
Did you know?

Some species, like this western striped cardinalfish, care for
their offspring by holding them in their mouth. The eggs
are kept in the mouth of one of the parent’s and held there
until after they hatch. They are released once the juveniles
can swim. While the larvae are in the parent’s mouth it is
difficult for the parent to feed.
79
Image credits
We sincerely thank all the amateur and professional photographers who donated
images for use in this project. Please take the time to take a look through the list
below and see who took your favourite photos. Without their skill and generosity it
would not have been possible to create this book.
Location on page: T – top, M – middle, B – bottom, L – left, R – right
Photographs 56B (juvenile), 61M, 63T, 63M (adult), 63M

(juvenile), 65M, 68M (male), 69M (adult),
Samantha Andrzejaczek Pg: 17, 19
69M (juvenile), 69B (male), 69B (female),
Rachel Austin Pg: 14, 11T, 11B, 20L, 35R, 39, 70T (adult), 70T (juvenile), 70B (female), 71T,
44M, 46T, 46B, 47M, 48B, 49T, 50M, 55B, 71M (male), 71M (female), 72T, 72B (adult),
56M, 58B, 59B, 60T, 60B, 61B, 63B, 64M 73T (male), 73T (female), 73M, 73B (male),
(adult), 64M (juvenile), 66T, 71B 73B (female), 78T, 78B (male), 78B
C. Atkinson and S. P. Collin Pg: 8L, 8R Ian Robertson Pg: 28T, 45T, 48T, 77M
Todd Bond Pg: 11M, 47B, 49M, 53B, 61T Keith Ross-Jones Pg: 50B, 57MT, 62B, 72B
(adult), 72M, 75T (juvenile), 74M
G. P. Britz Pg: 57MB Michael Taylor Pg: 2-3, 12, 21, 22, 23, 30-
Amy Rose Coghlan Pg: 5, 6B, 13, 15L, 15R, 31, 32
28L, 28R, 29, 41, 47T, 51M, 51B, 52B, 54T, Paul Thomson Pg: 18TR
56T, 58T, 60M, 61T (juvenile), 67B, 68B
Western Australian Museum Pg: 65T, 66M,
(adult), 70M, 74T, 75M
69T, 75B, 79T
Shannon Conway Pg: 4, 24TL, 24B, 25B, 26T,
26BL, 26BR Illustrations
Glen Cowans Pg: inside cover, 18BR, 44T,
Charmaine Cave Pg: 36, 43, “Spike” (Slender-
45B, 51T (adult), 52T, 52M, 76T
spined porcupine fish used throughout)
Anna Cresswell Pg: cover background, 16,
City of Cockburn Pg: 25
76B
Shaun P. Collin Pg: 9
Tom Davis Pg: 36-37, 45M, 46M, 55T, 55M,
57B, 58M, 62T, 62M, 64T, 64B, 67M (female), Juliet Corley Pg: 49M, 49B, 52T, 52M, 52B,
68T, 68B (juvenile), 70B (male), 72M, 74T, 55T, 57T, 57M, 58T, 59M, 59B, 61M, 62B, 65T,
76M, 77T, 78M (female) 66M, 68T, 68M, 69T, 70T, 70M, 70B, 71T,
71M, 71B, 73M, 73B, 75B, 77T, 77M, 77B
Tammy Gibbs Pg: 10-11, 40, 44B, 54M, 54B,
56 B (adult), 67T, 79B Michael Taylor Pg: 8, 38, 44T, 44M, 44B,
45T, 45M, 45B, 46T, 46M, 46B, 47T, 47M,
Mitchell Green Pg: 7
47B, 48T, 48M, 48B, 49T, 50T, 50M, 50B, 51T,
David Harasti Pg: 57T, 66B 51M, 51B, 53T, 53M, 53B, 54T, 54M, 54B, 55M,
Wade and Robyn Hughes Pg: 24TR, 77B 55B, 56T, 56M, 56B, 57B, 58M, 58B, 59T, 60T,
60M, 60B, 61T, 61B, 62T, 62M, 63T, 63M,
Dianne McLean Pg: 20R, 27, 33, 59T, 59M,
63B, 64T, 64M, 64B, 65M, 65B, 66T, 66B,
67M (male), 68M (female)
67T, 67M, 67B, 68B, 69M, 69B, 72T, 72M,
Harry Moore Pg: 65B, 74B 72B, 73T, 74T, 74M, 74B, 75T, 75M, 76T, 76M,
Wayne Osborn Pg: cover inset, 6T, 34L, 34R, 76B, 78T, 78M, 78B, 79T
35L, 48M, 49B, 50T, 51T (juvenile), 53T, 53M,
80
Glossary
Abundance - The number of Prey – An animal that is hunted
individuals of a species or group of and killed by another for food
species
Scavenger - A species that feeds of
Aggregation – A grouping of fish dead animals
in a location
School - A group of fish that
Bioluminescent - A species that swim together as a group in a
produces or emits light coordinated way
Breed - To mate and produce Spawning - The release of eggs

offspring (babies)
Species - A group of organisms
Brood - When a parent cares for that can mate with one another to
juveniles after they have hatched produce fertile offspring
Camouflage – The ability to hide Subtropical - Region outside the

presence by blending into the tropics, often have hot summers
surroundings and cool winters
Diversity - The number of Sustainable - Able to be

different species maintained without causing
further damage
Ecosystem - A community of
organisms and their environment Temperate - Between the
subtropics and polar regions, cool
Endemic – a species only found in
temperatures sometimes getting
a restricted area
below freezing
Habitat - The natural environment
Territorial - Taking possession
in which a species lives
and protecting a home range from
Microorganism - an organism that individuals of the same or different
cannot be seen by the human eye species
(often bacteria, viruses, or fungi)
Toxic - Poisonous substances or
Nocturnal - A species that is active conditions
at night
Tropical - Region of the Earth
Predator - An animal that hunts or surrounding the equator, home to
preys upon other animals warm water species
81
Further reading
If you enjoy knowing what you see when you go underwater then we
would recommend taking a look at the following resources:
Books Responsible for the protection

and management of the marine
• Sea Fishes of Southern Australia, and terrestrial environment in
Barry Hutchins and Roger WA. The Rottnest Island Authority
Swainston and the Parks and Wildlife Service
• Sharks and Rays of Australia, Peter can be accessed here providing
Last and John Stevens information on the marine
• Field Guide to Marine Fishes of environment, protected areas, and
Tropical Australia and South-East key species.
Asia, Gerald R Allen • Reef Life Survey
Websites https://reeflifesurvey.com/
A citizen science program in where
• Fishes of Australia
divers undertake surveys of reef
www.fishesofaustralia.net.au biodiversity on rocky and coral reefs
An online resource for information around the world. This is a great
on the diversity and biology of resources to assist and improve
Australia’s marine and freshwater upon fish identification.
fishes. • Redmap
• FishBase www.redmap.org.au
www.fishbase.org The Range Extension Database and
A global database of fish species Mapping project is where you can
with great information on just share sightings of species that are
about any species you can think of. uncommon in your area.
• DPIRD: Fisheries Division • RecFishWest Kids Corner
www.fish.wa.gov.au www.ilovefishing.com.au/kids-
corner
Responsible for managing fisheries
in Western Australia. Information A great resource for young fishers
and guides on recreational fish size to learn more about how, where
and bag limits can be found here as and what to catch.
well as information on protected • iNaturalist
fish and commercial fisheries.
www.inaturalist.org/projects/
• Dept of Biodiversity Conservation australasian-fishes
and Attractions
Here pictures can be submitted to
www.dbca.wa.gov.au be identified by experts for use in
research.
82
Index Chlorurus microrhinos 72
Chlorurus spilurus 73
Heteroscarus acroptilus 72
Highfin moray 47
Choerodon rubescens 71 Hippocampus subelongatus 48
A
Chromis klunzingeri 64 Horseshoe leatherjacket 77
Abudefduf vaigiensis 64
Chromis westaustralis 65 Hypoplectrodes nigroruber 50
Achoerodus gouldii 67
Chrysophrys auratus 57 Hyporhamphus melanochir 47
Amblygobius phalaena 75
Cirripectes filamentosus 74
Anampses geographicus 67
Cobbler wobbegong 44 I
Anoplocapros amygdaloides 78
Common cleanerfish 69 Indo-Pacific Sergeant 64
Anoplocapros lenticularis 78
Common seadragon 48
Arripis georgianus 56
Coris auricularis 68 K
Arripis truttaceus 56
Crested morwong 65 King George whiting 53
Australian herring 56
Kyphosus cornelii 60
Austrolabrus maculatus 69
D Kyphosus sydneyanus 60
Dactylophora nigricans 66
B
Dactylopus dactylopus 74 L
Baldchin groper 71
Dinolestes lewini 67 Labroides dimidiatus 69
Banded sea sweep 62
Dusky morwong 66 Lagocephalus sceleratus 79
Bathytoshia brevicaudata 45
Leafy seadragon 48
Bigscale bullseye 59
E Lethrinus nebulosus 57
Black rabbitfish 75
Echeneis naucrates 54 Longfin pike 67
Black sand bass 50
Enoplosus armatus 63 Longspine dragonet 75
Black-banded seaperch 50
Epinephelides armatus 49
Blackhead puller 64
M
Blacksaddle goatfish 58
F Masked stingaree 46
Blackspotted wrasse 69
Fanbelly leatherjacket 77 McCulloch’s scalyfin 64
Blue morwong 66
Filamentous blenny 74 Meuschenia flavolineata 76
Blue sprat 47
Finger dragonet 74 Meuschenia galii 77
Bluebarred parrotfish 73
Footballer sweep 61 Meuschenia hippocrepis 77
Bluelined hulafish 51
Foxfish 68 Microcanthus strigatus 61
Bluelined leatherjacket 77
Monacanthus chinensis 77
Bluespotted goatfish 58
G Moon wrasse 70
Bodianus frenchii 68
Girella zebra 60 Moonlighter 62
Breaksea cod 49
Glaucosoma hebraicum 52 Mugil cephalus 66
Brownfield’s wrasse 68
Goldspotted sweetlips 57 Myliobatis tenuicaudatus 46
Brownspotted wrasse 70
Great white shark 45
Bullethead parrotfish 73
Green moon wrasse 70 N
Grey nurse shark 44 Neatypus obliquus 61
C
Gymnothorax Nemadactylus valenciennesi 66
Carcharias taurus 44
pseudothyrsoideus 47 North-west blowfish 79
Carcharodon carcharias 45
Notolabrus parilus 70
Chaetodon assarius 62
H
Chaetodon lunula 63
Halichoeres brownfieldi 68 O
Cheilodactylus gibbosus 65
Harlequin fish 50 Old wife 63
Cheilodactylus rubrolabiatus 65
Heterodontus portusjacksoni 44 Ophthalmolepis lineolatus 71
Chelmonops curiosus 63
83
Ostorhinchus rueppellii 53 Scomberomorus commerson 76 Trygonoptera ovalis 46
Ostorhinchus victoriae 53 Scorpaena sumptuosa 49 Trygonoptera personata 46
Othos dentex 50 Scorpis aequipinnis 61 Trygonorrhina dumerilii 45
Scorpis georgiana 62
P Scribbled wrasse 67 U
Parapercis haackei 74 Sea mullet 66 Upeneichthys vlamingii 58
Paraplesiops meleagris 51 Sea sweep 61
Parma mccullochi 64 Sea trumpeter 52 W
Parupeneus spilurus 58 Seriola hippos 55 Wavy grubfish 74
Pelates octolineatus 52 Sharksucker 54 Weeping toadfish 78
Pelsartia humeralis 52 Siganus fuscescens 75 West Australian dhufish 52
Pempheris klunzingeri 59 Sillaginodes punctatus 53 West Australian puller 65
Pempheris multiradiata 59 Sillago bassensis 54 West Australian seahorse 48
Pencil weed whiting 72 Silver drummer 60 Western Australian salmon
Pentapodus vitta 58 Silver trevally 55 56
Phycodurus eques 48 Siphonognathus beddomei 72 Western blue groper 67
Phyllopteryx taeniolatus 48 Smalltooth flounder 76 Western buffalo bream 60
Pink snapper 57 Smooth stingray 45 Western butterfish 58
Platycephalus speculator 49 Southern blue devil 51 Western butterflyfish 62
Plectorhinchus flavomaculatus Southern bluespotted Western gobbleguts 53
57 flathead 49 Western king wrasse 68
Pomatomus saltatrix 54 Southern eagle ray 46 Western pomfred 59
Port Jackson shark 44 Southern fiddler ray 45 Western red scorpionfish 49
Psammoperca datnioides 50 Southern garfish 47 Western smooth boxfish 78
Pseudocalliurichthys goodladi Southern Maori wrasse 71 Western striped cardinalfish
75 Southern school whiting 54 53
Pseudocaranx georgianus 55 Spangled emperor 57 Western striped grunter 52
Pseudolabrus biserialis 71 Spanish mackerel 76 Western talma 63
Pseudorhombus jenynsii 76 Spratelloides robustus 47 Whitebarred boxfish 78
Steephead parrotfish 72 Whitebarred goby 75
R Stethojulis bandanensis 69
Racoon butterflyfish 63 Striped stingaree 46 Y
Rainbow cale 72 Stripey 61 Yellowhead hulafish 51
Redband wrasse 71 Sutorectus tentaculatus 44 Yellowstriped leatherjacket
Redlip morwong 65 76
Redspot wrasse 69 T Yellowtail scad 55
Rhabdosargus sarba 56 Tailor 54
Rough bullseye 59 Tarwhine 56 Z
Thalassoma lunare 70 Zebrafish 60
S Thalassoma lutescens 70
Samsonfish 55 Tilodon sexfasciatus 62
Scarus ghobban 73 Torquigener pleurogramma 78
Scarus schlegeli 73 Trachinops brauni 51
Schlegel’s parrotfish 73 Trachinops noarlungae 51
Schuettea woodwardi 59 Trachurus novaezelandiae 55
84
85
This book is offered free of charge to schools around Perth.
With 179 colour images, 112 illustrations, and a description of 106 fish
species, Perth Fish provides an introduction to unique marine life
found off our coast.
The Indian Ocean is our backyard playground with many wonders that
lie just beneath the surface. With an introduction into the diversity
of life found in the ocean, the threats that face it, and some of the
efforts that are made to protect our marine life; this book aims to
inspire future generations to explore, identify and enjoy the world’s
oceans.
86

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Perth Fish

Dianne McLean & Michael Taylor

Dianne McLean & Michael Taylor

© Dianne McLean and Michael Taylor, 2018

Designer: Charmaine Cave, Cave Design

Cover photos: Wayne Osborn (inset), Anna Cresswell (background)

SPECIES IDENTIFICATION GUIDE 41

We respectfully acknowledge the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation as

Fish larvae, brought south by the Leeuwin

Did you know?

(1) Bony fish with skeletons made of bone

(2) Cartilaginous fish with skeletons made of cartilage

Did you know?

General anatomy of a bony fish and a cartilaginous shark

All these adaptations have led to an amazing amount of diversity in fish

King George whiting (Sillaginoides

Samsonfish (Seriola hippos) are a

The demersal King George whiting

The pelagic samsonfish (Seriola hippos)

Did you know?

In Australia, at least 77 marine species have been recorded as being

Coastal development can remove (dredge) or build over marine habitats

(1) Commercial fishing - where people require a special licence to

Bycatch can also be a problem in fisheries, especially from large boats

Did you know?

Climate change is caused by humans. Loss of forests, pollution from burning

Sea ice is melting rapidly

Climate change also causes changes in ocean chemistry with acidification

Did you know?

Mary Cove, within the Green Island

In Australia, and around the world, we have two main approaches to

(2) Designation of marine parks or protected areas where fishing is not

One of the main restrictions we can place on fishing is limiting how we

The most accessible artificial reef in Perth is located south of Fremantle

Starting at the wreck the Coogee Maritime Trail includes 33 structures,

Over 50 species of fish and a

Snorkelling with a ‘snorkel buddy’. It is always safer to swim with a friend

Recfishwest have lots of information in their ‘kids corner’ to help you on

Did you know?

Gender bending fish

Male to female sex change is rarer, but is known in clownfish where a

The poisonous weeping toadfish (Torqui- A striped stingaree (Trygonoptera ovalis),

Ciguatera poisoning, from fish, can also be dangerous to humans. It is

Did you know?

Carcharodon megalodon (maximum)

Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) – average

Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharius) – average

While megalodon is extinct, the coelocanth is considered a “living fossil”

• The deepest point in the ocean is Challenger Deep a section of the

• Up to 99% of the ocean floor is unexplored. We know more about the

We call this classification, and when we classify a species, we sort it into

SPECIES dentex } Harlequin Fish

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Rating

• Least Concern These species are at lowest risk of endangerment.

0 50100 200 300 400 500 600

Elasmobranchii > Heterodontiformes > Heterodontidae

Port Jackson shark

Elasmobranchii > Orectolobiformes > Orectolobidae

Diet: Invertebrates; Fishes

Elasmobranchii > Lamniformes > Odontaspididae