Yellowfin Pigfish, Bodianus flavipinnis (Gomon, 2001)

Introduction

Not surprisingly, the pectoral fin of the Yellowfin Pigfish is yellow. The fish is red above and white below, usually with two large white blotches on the upper sides. It is known from Australia and New Zealand.

Identification

The Yellowfin Pigfish is a newly described species that can be recognised by its colouration.

It is red above and white below. There are usually two large white blotches on the upper sides. The head is red above the level of the mouth and white below. The pectoral fin is yellow.

The species name 'flavipinnis' comes from flavus (Latin for yellow) and pinna (Latin for fin).

The Yellowfin Pigfish was described in 2001 by OzFishNet member Dr Martin Gomon, who works at Museum Victoria.

Habitat

The species occurs at depths from 30 m to at least 250 m.

Distribution

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

In Australia it is known from off the central coast of New South Wales to eastern Victoria. It is one of the most frequently encountered pigfishes in the Sydney Fish Market.

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.

References

1. Gomon, M.F. 2001. Descriptions of two new species of Bodianus (Perciformes: Labridae) from Australasian waters. New Zealand Journal of Zoology. 28: 407-416.
2. Roberts, C.D. & A.L. Stewart. 2002. Two new foxfishes described. Seafood New Zealand. New Zealand Seafood Industry Magazine Limited. February 2002: 81-84.