Barramundi Cod, Chromileptes altivelis (Valenciennes, 1828)

Introduction

The Barramundi Cod occurs widely throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific. Adults are often found in silty reef areas while juveniles live in shallow water and are occasionally seen in rock pools at low tide.

Identification

The Barramundi Cod is easily recognised by its concave dorsal head profile and the scattered black spots on its body and fins.

Habitat

The species is often found in silty reef areas to a depth of at least 40 m. Juveniles live in shallow water and are occasionally seen in rock pools at low tide.

Distribution

It occurs widely throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific.

In Australia it is found in tropical and subtropical waters. On the west coast adults are found as far south as Dirk Hartog Island, while on the east coast juveniles which come down with the East Australian current, are found as far south as Sydney.

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

Life history cycle

The video below shows a juvenile.

References

1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
2. Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
4. Paxton, J.R., D.F. Hoese, G.R. Allen & J.E. Hanley. 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia Vol.7 Pisces Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra: Australian Biological Resources Survey. Pp. i-xii, 1-665.
5. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.