© Baker, J.L. (2009) Marine Species of Conservation Concern in South Australia Full citation Baker, J.L. (2009) Marine Species of Conservation Concern in South Australia: Volume 1 - Bony and Cartilaginous Fishes. Report for the South Australian Working Group for Marine Species of Conservation Concern. J. Baker (consultant); Science and Conservation Division, and Coast and Marine Conservation branches of S.A. Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH); Marine and Coastal Community Network of S.A. (MCCN), and Threatened Species Network (TSN). Web version published by Reef Watch, South Australia.

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PINGUIPEDIDAE: GRUBFISHES & WEEVERS

© CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research

The Pinguipedidae is a family of benthic fishes, some from tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, and others from the Atlantic side of South America and Africa (Nelson, 1994, cited in Froese and Pauly, 2007).
Grubfishes have large eyes, elongate bodies and long dorsal fins (Kuiter, in Gomon et al., 1994). They often “perch” on the sea bed, on their strong ventral fins, a characteristic behaviour (Edgar, 2000). They are usually found in sand and rubble habitats, near reefs, and some are found on muddy bottoms. Members of the family are benthic carnivores of small invertebrates and fishes. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, and are also territorial and haremic. Grubfishes are pelagic spawners (Nelson, 1994, cited in Froese and Pauly, 2007).
Currently, there are at least 64 named species in the family (Froese and Pauly, 2007), including a number of newly described species (e.g. Johnson and Randall, 2006). There are also several unidentified taxa (e.g. CSIRO, 2007).
The family is well represented in Australia, with about 33 species (CSIRO, 2007), most of which are tropical (Queensland and northern W.A.), and some of which are undescribed to date. There may be at least 24 species in Western Australia (Western Australian Museum, 2003).
Examples of the few species that occur in southern Australia include the following (from Hutchins and Thompson, 1983; Hutchins and Swainston, 1986, 2001; Kuiter, in Gomon et al., 1994; Kuiter, 1996a):
Barred Grubfish Parapercis allporti: a south-eastern Australian species found on the continental shelf, and caught in large number by trawlers. The species is discussed below;
Spotted Grubfish Parapercis ramsayi: a southern Australian species with a disjunct distribution, found in N.S.W. (entire coast); Victoria; the Gulfs region and Great Australian Bight in S.A., and southern W.A. (M. Gomon, pers. comm. to R. Foster, S.A. Museum, 2006). Found in variety of coastal habitats (similar to those in which Wave Grubfish reside), including sandy bottoms near reefs, to about 80m deep;
Wavy Grubfish Parapercis haackei, ranging from the central coast of W.A. through to Kangaroo I. in S.A., and found on sand and rubble bottom near reefs, in sheltered coastal bays and large estuaries; also under jetties.

Associated taxa

Barred Grubfish / Allport’s Grubfish/ Barred Weever

Parapercis allporti (Günther, 1876)