Fin's Fish Guide
The Brown-spotted boarfish (Paristiopterus gallipavo) is a saltwater fish of the family Pentacerotidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Temperate waters around southern Australia; continental shelf and slope.
Description
The yellowspotted boarfish is a fish of the armorhead family (Pentacerotidae) from the temperate waters around southern Australia. The species grows to about one metre and has a deep, laterally compressed, greyish body with an elongated, snout-like mouth and, in juveniles, yellow spots. The body and head are covered with rough, bony plates. It lives on the continental shelf and slope, on rocky and soft bottoms. As a bottom searcher it picks small invertebrates, crustaceans and worms from the bottom with its elongated snout. The species is a local bycatch and food fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brown-spotted boarfish?
The Brown-spotted boarfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deep body with rough bony plates and an elongated, snout-like mouth for searching the bottom.
Where does the Brown-spotted boarfish live?
The Brown-spotted boarfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Temperate waters around southern Australia; continental shelf and slope.
How big does the Brown-spotted boarfish get?
The Brown-spotted boarfish grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.
Is the Brown-spotted boarfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Brown-spotted boarfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Brown-spotted boarfish edible?
Yes, the Brown-spotted boarfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Paristiopterus
More from the family Pentacerotidae
Want the complete picture on the Brown-spotted boarfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown-spotted boarfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.