Butterfly perch
📖 Overview
A schooling species found over rocky reefs . Forms large aggregates in deeper water where it feeds mostly in the lower part of the water column. Usually occurs in areas which are exposed to continual strong tidal water movement .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Butterfly perch is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 10 - 140 m . Temperate Southwest Pacific: southern Australia and New Zealand (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Butterfly perch is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 505 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Butterfly perch has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthias richardsonii | Günther | 1869 | Synonym |
| Epinephelus lepidopterus | Forster | 1801 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 13 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Butterfly perch ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.