Beaked Salmon, Gonorynchus greyi (Richardson, 1845)

Introduction

The Beaked Salmon is sandy coloured on the back and upper body, and pale below. It occurs in coastal bays and estuaries to deep offshore, in temperate marine waters.

Identification

The Beaked Salmon has an elongate body that is rectangular in cross-section. It has a small mouth that is positioned ventrally and preceded by a single barbel. The short-based dorsal and anal fins are positioned posteriorly on the body.

The species is sandy coloured on the back and upper body, and pale below. The dorsal, anal and caudal fins have black markings.

Habitat

It is found in coastal bays and estuaries to deep offshore.

Distribution

It occurs in temperate marine waters of Australia and New Zealand.

In Australia it is known from southern Queensland, around the south of the country, including Tasmania, and north to the central coast of 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.

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. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
3. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
4. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.