Common Name: Fanbelly Leatherjacket
Scientific Name: Monacanthus chinensis
Maximum Size: 40cm
NSW Record: kg
Range: QLD, NSW, WA, NT.
There are many species of fish to found in our oceans. Some of these fish are target species, with great eating qualities, but others are protected and must not be harmed. As a responsible spearfisher it is critical that we can identify the specie of fish before ever deciding to pull the trigger in an attempt to capture a fish.
On the following pages you will find photos and information that will assist you in improving your fish identification and knowledge. They are split into two categories: Protected Species and Target Species.
Remember, if you are not sure what fish it is you are aiming at, DO NOT PULL THE TRIGGER.
Common Name: Fanbelly Leatherjacket
Scientific Name: Monacanthus chinensis
Maximum Size: 40cm
NSW Record: kg
Range: QLD, NSW, WA, NT.
Common Name: Southern Silver Drummer
Scientific Name: Kyphosus sydneyanus
Maximum Size: 75cm
NSW Record: kg
Range: QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS, SA, WA.
Common Name: King Wrasse
Scientific Name: Coris sandeyeri
Maximum Size: 45cm
NSW Record: kg
Range: NSW.
Common Name: Banded Morwong
Scientific Name: Cheildactylus spectabilis
Maximum Size: 100cm
NSW Record: kg
Range: NSW, VIC, TAS, SA.
Common Name: Dusky Morwong
Scientific Name: Dactylophora nigricans
Maximum Size: 120cm
NSW Record: kg
Range: QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS, SA, WA.
Common Name: Zebrafish
Scientific Name: Girella zebra
Maximum Size: 50cm
NSW Record: kg
Range: NSW, VIC, TAS, SA, WA.
Common Name: Eastern Rock Blackfish, Black Drummer
Scientific Name: Girella elevata
Maximum Size: 65cm
NSW Record: kg
Range: QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS.
Common Name: Luderick
Scientific Name: Girella tricuspidata
Maximum Size: 60cm
NSW Record: kg
Range: QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS, SA.
Common Name: Ocean Leatherjacket
Scientific Name: Nelusetta ayraudi
Maximum Size: 100cm
NSW Record: kg
Range: QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, WA.
Common Name: Eastern Australian Salmon
Scientific Name: Arripis trutta
Maximum Size: 75cm
NSW Record: 7.860kg
Range: QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS.
Eastern Australian Salmon schools can be found along headlands and in bays, ranging in depth from 2-20m. The size of the schools can range from a few dozen fish to many thousands.
This species has a distinct green coloured back and dark tail, with individuals in good condition having yellow pectoral fins. Confusing species are Tailor, which are generally smaller (in NSW) and have a rounder head. Western Australian Salmon occasionally swim up the east coast but a difficult to tell apart from their local cousin unless the gillrakers are counted.
The fish mature at around 40cm in length and 4 years of age, spawning in coastal water during summer. The eggs and larvae drift south to Victoria and Tasmania before migrating north to complete the cycle. The sexes are separate.
To approach this species the best method is a slow dive, parallel to the school and waiting for the school to approach or cut across the diver. Commercial catches of this species range from 500 to 1000 tonnes per annum. The annual recreational catch is estimated at 150-200 tonnes.
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