Beaked Salmon, Gonorynchus greyi Click to enlarge image
A Beaked Salmon at Haycock Point, 26 November 2013. Image: Dan Monceaux
© Dan Monceaux

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Gonorynchus
    Species
    greyi
    Family
    Gonorynchidae
    Order
    Gonorhynchiformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The Beaked Salmon grows to 50 cm in length.

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.