Fin's Fish Guide
The Butterfly perch (Caesioperca lepidoptera) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Temperate waters of south-eastern Australia and New Zealand; rocky reefs.
Description
The butterfly perch is a sea bass (Serranidae) from the temperate waters of southeastern Australia and New Zealand. The species has a deep, laterally compressed, pink to silvery body, often with a dark blotch on the flank. It forms schools over rocky reefs and gathers in large aggregations in deeper water. As a planktivore it captures zooplankton from the water column above the reef. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Butterfly perch?
The Butterfly perch has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly pink-purple and shows a plain pattern. Pink plankton eater that forms large aggregations above rocky reefs.
Where does the Butterfly perch live?
The Butterfly perch lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Temperate waters of south-eastern Australia and New Zealand; rocky reefs.
How big does the Butterfly perch get?
The Butterfly perch grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Butterfly perch dangerous to humans?
No, the Butterfly perch is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Butterfly perch edible?
Yes, the Butterfly perch is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Serranidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Butterfly perch is one of 12,519 species in the app.