Barber Perch, Caesioperca rasor (Richardson, 1839)

Scientific name: Caesioperca rasor
Alternative name/s:
The Barber Perch has also been called the Barber Sea Perch, Red Perch, Tasmanian Barber.
  • Updated
    21/12/20
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Caesioperca rasor Click to enlarge image
A Barber Perch at a depth of 10 m, north-western Kangaroo Island, South Australia, December, 2003. Image: E. Schlögl
© E. Schlögl

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Caesioperca
    Species
    rasor
    Family
    Serranidae
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    It grows to 26 cm in length.

Introduction

The Barber Perch can be recognised by its colouration, is found on rocky reefs in temperate marine waters and is endemic to Australia.

Identification

The Barber Perch can be recognised by its colouration. Small juveniles are pink with a black head. Larger juveniles and females are pink with a blue line under the eyes. Males are yellowish to silvery with a blue spot on each scale. Males have blue lines on the head and blue-margined median fins.

Caesioperca rasor

Barber Perch, Caesioperca rasor

Image: E. Schlögl
© E. Schlögl

Habitat

The species is found on rocky reefs in temperate marine waters.

Distribution

It is endemic to Australia, occurring from southern Victoria to south-western Western Australia.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

References

  1. Gomon, M.F. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
  2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.