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Coral perch (Neosebastes thetidis) — Neosebastidae

Coral perch

Neosebastes thetidis
Family: Neosebastidae

The Coral perch (Neosebastes thetidis) is a saltwater fish of the family Neosebastidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
35 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
45.0–288.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Southern Australia; continental shelf, usually below 100 m.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The gurnard perch is a gurnard perch (Neosebastidae) from the waters around southern Australia. The species has a stocky, reddish body with a large, spiny head and large pectoral fins. It lives bottom-bound on the continental shelf, usually below one hundred metres. As an ambush hunter it takes small fishes and crustaceans. The dorsal and head spines are venomous; a sting is very painful.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Coral perch?

The Coral perch has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Large spiny head and large pectoral fins with venomous spines; bottom fish of the continental shelf.

Where does the Coral perch live?

The Coral perch lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southern Australia; continental shelf, usually below 100 m.

How big does the Coral perch get?

The Coral perch grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.

Is the Coral perch dangerous to humans?

The Coral perch is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. If stung by a fin spine: immerse the affected part in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 degrees C) to break down the venom, and seek medical care for severe or persistent symptoms.

Is the Coral perch edible?

The Coral perch is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Coral perch verified
Scientific name
Neosebastes thetidis
Family
Neosebastidae
Other names
Gurnard perch; Ocean perch; Rough gurnard perch; Thetis fish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
45.0 verified
Max depth (m)
288.0 verified
Natural range
Southern Australia; continental shelf, usually below 100 m. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small fishes and crustaceans sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Large spiny head and large pectoral fins with venomous spines; bottom fish of the continental shelf. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
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
Venomous / poisonous sourced
First aid
If stung by a fin spine: immerse the affected part in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 degrees C) to break down the venom, and seek medical care for severe or persistent symptoms. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Neosebastes

More from the family Neosebastidae

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