Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue rock whiting (Haletta semifasciata) is a brackish-water fish of the family Odacidae that grows up to 29 cm.
Temperate waters around southern Australia; estuaries and sheltered waters with seagrass.
Description
The blue rock whiting is a fish of the cale family (Odacidae) from the temperate waters around southern Australia. The species grows to about 29 cm and has an elongate body; males are blue-green, females and juveniles greenish with dark spots. It forms large schools in estuaries and other sheltered waters with sand and seagrass bottoms. As a herbivore it grazes seagrass and algae, supplemented with small invertebrates taken incidentally. Cales are closely related to the wrasses. The blue rock whiting is a local angling and food fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue rock whiting?
The Blue rock whiting has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Schooling seagrass grazer; males blue-green, related to the wrasses.
Where does the Blue rock whiting live?
The Blue rock whiting lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Temperate waters around southern Australia; estuaries and sheltered waters with seagrass.
How big does the Blue rock whiting get?
The Blue rock whiting grows to a maximum of about 29 cm.
Is the Blue rock whiting dangerous to humans?
No, the Blue rock whiting is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blue rock whiting edible?
Yes, the Blue rock whiting is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Odacidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue rock whiting is one of 12,519 species in the app.