© 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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POLYPRIONIDAE: WRECKFISHES

© Bernard Yau

The Polyprionidae is a small family of marine fishes, recently separated from the Percichthyidae (temperate perches), but the placement of the family and the species membership are still uncertain (CSIRO, 2007). Globally, 6 species are recognised (4 in Polyprion, and 2 in Stereolepis) (Froese and Pauly, 2007). The Hapuku is discussed below, due to its vulnerable biological characteristics, coupled with its susceptibility to over-exploitation, due to its high popularity as a food fish across southern Australia.

Associated taxa

Hapuku / Hapuka / Bass Grouper

Polyprion oxygeneios (Forster, 1801)