Reef Ocean Perch

Helicolenus percoides has a moderately large, smooth head which has a length which is 35-41% of its standard length, with moderately large eyes which do not bulge over the dorsal profile; of the head.there are 5 distinct spines on the front margin of each of the preopercles, uppermost is quite small and is located at the end of a low, spineless ridge underneath the eye. The body and much of the head are covered in rather small ctenoid scales. The pelvic fins reach beyond anus. The dorsal fin has 12 spines and 11-12 soft rays while the anal fin has 3 spines and 5 soft rays. This species attains a maximum total length of 47 cm (19 in) and a maximum published weight of 1.4 kg (3.1 lb). The overall colour is pinkish-orange to whitish marked with three broad orange to dark brown bands on the flanks which continue onto the dorsal and anal fins. The two anterior most bands are normally split on the upper flanks, and there is frequently a single wide band on the caudal and pectoral fins. Fishes from shallow waters are typically darker and often have dense speckling with dark spots on the dorsal part of the head and flanks.

Identification. Helicolenus percoides is distinguished from H. …

Helicolenus percoides is found in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. In Australia it occurs from northern New South Wales south to Tasmania and east to Fremantle in Western Australia. It is also found in New Zealand. It is a demersal fish which is found at depths of 50 to 750 m (160 to 2,460 ft) on the continental shelf and slope. it can be found ion coastal rocky reefs as well as open sandy areas normally in deeper waters. In the month-long NORFANZ Expedition of 2003 which was examining the biodiversity of the seamounts and slopes of the Norfolk Ridge, thirty specimens averaging 1 kg (2.2 lb), were collected from three locations.