Home · Glaucosomatidae · Pearl perch
Pearl perch (Glaucosoma scapulare) — Glaucosomatidae

Pearl perch

Glaucosoma scapulare

The Pearl perch (Glaucosoma scapulare) is a saltwater fish of the family Glaucosomatidae that grows up to 70 cm.

Length
70 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–90.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The pearl perch is a perch-like fish (Glaucosomatidae) from deeper reef and rocky water of eastern Australia. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery body with large eyes and a pearly sheen, and in adults a dark stripe over the head. As a bottom-oriented fish it shelters by rocky reefs and wrecks and hunts small fish and crustaceans. It is a highly valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pearl perch?

The Pearl perch has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Pearl perch live?

The Pearl perch lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Pearl perch get?

The Pearl perch grows to a maximum of about 70 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.

Is the Pearl perch dangerous to humans?

No, the Pearl perch is harmless to humans.

Is the Pearl perch edible?

Yes, the Pearl perch is commonly eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Parelbaars sourced
English name
Pearl perch sourced
Scientific name
Glaucosoma scapulare
Family
Glaucosomatidae
Other names
Epaulette fish; Pearl perch; Pearly verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
70.0 verified
Average length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
90.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
19.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Glaucosoma

More from the family Glaucosomatidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →