Pink Ling, Genypterus blacodes (Forster, 1801)
Introduction
The Pink Ling has an eel-like body and barbel-like pelvic fins that are positioned below the eye. The species resembles the Rock Ling, however it is pinkish to orange with a more diffuse mottled pattern. The jaw of the Pink Ling reaches the rear of the eye or just beyond whereas the Rock Ling's jaw extends well beyond the eye.
Identification
The Pink Ling has an eel-like body and barbel-like pelvic fins that are positioned below the eye.
The species resembles the Rock Ling, however it is pinkish to orange with a more diffuse mottled pattern. The jaw of the Pink Ling reaches the rear of the eye or just beyond whereas the Rock Ling's jaw extends well beyond the eye.
Distribution
In Australia it occurs in temperate marine waters from the central coast of New South Wales, around the south of the country to the south-western 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
- 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.
- Yearsley, G.K., Last, P.R. & R.D. Ward. 1999. Australian Seafood Handbook, an identification guide to domestic species. CSIRO Marine Research. Pp. 461.