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Australian tilefish (Branchiostegus australiensis) — Malacanthidae

Australian tilefish

Branchiostegus australiensis
Family: Malacanthidae

The Australian tilefish (Branchiostegus australiensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Malacanthidae that grows up to 27 cm.

Length
26.6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–170.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia, Indonesia

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Description

The Australian tilefish is a tilefish (Malacanthidae) from sand and mud bottoms of deeper coastal water around Australia and the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, streamlined body with fine yellow-blue tints and long dorsal and anal fins. As a bottom-dweller it digs and occupies a burrow in soft sediment into which it darts when threatened and snaps at crustaceans, worms and small fish. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Australian tilefish?

The Australian tilefish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Australian tilefish live?

The Australian tilefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia, Indonesia

How big does the Australian tilefish get?

The Australian tilefish grows to a maximum of about 27 cm.

Is the Australian tilefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Australian tilefish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Australian tilefish sourced
Scientific name
Branchiostegus australiensis
Family
Malacanthidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
26.6 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
170.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia, Indonesia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Branchiostegus

More from the family Malacanthidae

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