Introduction

The Butterfly Perch is a schooling species that occurs in temperate marine waters of Australia and New Zealand. They are commonly found on coastal reefs and deep reefs at around 100 m depths.

Identification

The Butterfly Perch is usually pinkish with a dark blotch on the body. The pectoral fins are approximately the same length as the head. Adults develop spots, pale blue fin margins and a blue band behind the eye.

Habitat

In Australia it is common on coastal reefs of Victoria and Tasmania. In New South Wales and South Australia it usually occurs on deeper reefs down to about 100 m.

Distribution

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

In Australia it is known from New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. It is rare in 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.

Other behaviours and adaptations

The Butterfly Perch is a schooling species.

References

1. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
2. Kuiter, R.H. 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.
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. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
5. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.