Girella elevata

Other Names: Rock blackfish, Black rockfish, Black Drummer, Pig. Many of these names suggest that the fish may prefer heavy rock music as its listening preference.

Size: To 62 cm

Family: Kyphosidae, the sea chub family.

Distribution: The Eastern Rock Blackfish can be found in the southwestern Pacific Ocean in coastal eastern Australia, and northern New Zealand. In Australia it occurs from Noosa Heads, Queensland south to Apollo Bay in Victoria and northern Tasmania — although it is rare west of Wilson's Promontory in Victoria. It is also found around Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea.

Habitat: Adults live in rocky reefs in exposed situations, where they can be found from the surf zone down to around 25 metres. They are frequently observed by divers in caves or below ledges. The juveniles occur in rockpools, estuaries and areas of rocky reef in shallow waters.

Uses: Girella elevata is a highly sought after target of recreational fishermen due to its reputation as a brutally tough fighter when hooked.

References: Wikipedia.

About the Eastern Rock Blackfish

The Eastern Rock Blackfish may live as long as 45 years.

Identification Tips: It can be confused with Silver Drummer (Kyphosus sydneyanus).

Photo taken at Sydney Aquarium, Sydney, NSW, Australia. Higher Resolution 2593 x 1729.

See Also

Australian Mammals
Australian Birds
Australian Reptiles
Australian Frogs
Australian Spiders and Their Faces
Australian Wild Plant Foods

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