Eastern Pomfred, Schuettea scalaripinnis Steindachner, 1866
Scientific name: Schuettea scalaripinnis
Alternative name/s:
Ladder-finned Pomfret
Ladder-finned Pomfret
Similar species:
The Western Pomfred, Schuettea woodwardi, has a deeper body, taller fins, and has the yellow colouration restricted to the fins. This species is recorded in coastal waters from eastern South Australia to central Western Australia.
The Western Pomfred, Schuettea woodwardi, has a deeper body, taller fins, and has the yellow colouration restricted to the fins. This species is recorded in coastal waters from eastern South Australia to central Western Australia.
Click to enlarge image
A school of Eastern Pomfred at a depth of 15 m, South Solitary Island, New South Wales, April 2000.
Image: Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Schuettea
- Species
- scalaripinnis
- Family
- Monodactylidae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The species grows to 24 cm in length.
Introduction
The Eastern Pomfred is a common schooling species in shallow marine waters from central Queensland to southern New South Wales.
Identification
The Eastern Pomfred can be recognised by its body shape and colouration. It is silvery with a yellow back. The dorsal, caudal and anal fins are yellow. It has a dark bar at the rear of the head.
Habitat
It is often observed during the day in large schools under sheltered, rocky ledges.
Distribution
The species is endemic to Australia, occurring from coastal marine waters of central Queensland to southern New South Wales.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia
References
- 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.
- 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.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
