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Western rock blackfish (Girella tephraeops) — Kyphosidae

Western rock blackfish

Girella tephraeops
Family: Kyphosidae

The Western rock blackfish (Girella tephraeops) is a saltwater fish of the family Kyphosidae that grows up to 61 cm.

Length
61 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–20.0 m
Diet
Herbivore
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The western rock blackfish is a sea-chub (Girellidae) from temperate reef waters of southern and western Australia. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a deep, dark-grey to brown-black body. As a reef-dweller it lives around rocky shores and in the surf and grazes mainly weed and algae, supplemented with small invertebrates. It is a valued sport and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Western rock blackfish?

The Western rock blackfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly black.

Where does the Western rock blackfish live?

The Western rock blackfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Western rock blackfish get?

The Western rock blackfish grows to a maximum of about 61 cm.

Is the Western rock blackfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Western rock blackfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Western rock blackfish sourced
Scientific name
Girella tephraeops
Family
Kyphosidae
Other names
Rock blackfish; Western rock blackfish; Chad verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
61.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, seaweeds and plant material inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Girella

More from the family Kyphosidae

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