Fin's Fish Guide
The Cobbler perch (Neosebastes scorpaenoides) is a saltwater fish of the family Neosebastidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Temperate waters around southern Australia; rocky reefs and continental shelf.
Description
The common gurnard perch is a scorpionfish of the family Neosebastidae from the temperate waters around southern Australia. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a stocky, reddish to brown body with a large, spiny head and skin flaps. It is a bottom dweller of the continental shelf and occurs on rocky reefs of coastal waters. As an ambush predator it lies motionless in wait and seizes small fishes and crustaceans. The dorsal, head and gill-cover spines are venomous and give a painful puncture wound; therefore handle a caught specimen with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cobbler perch?
The Cobbler perch has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a marbled pattern. Large, spiny head with skin flaps; venomous dorsal, head and opercular spines.
Where does the Cobbler perch live?
The Cobbler perch lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Temperate waters around southern Australia; rocky reefs and continental shelf.
How big does the Cobbler perch get?
The Cobbler perch grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Cobbler perch dangerous to humans?
The Cobbler perch is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Cobbler perch edible?
The Cobbler perch is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Neosebastes
More from the family Neosebastidae
Want the complete picture on the Cobbler perch?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cobbler perch is one of 12,519 species in the app.