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Australian herring (Arripis georgianus) — Arripidae

Australian herring

Arripis georgianus
Family: Arripidae

The Australian herring (Arripis georgianus) is a saltwater fish of the family Arripidae that grows up to 36 cm.

Length
36 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Australian herring is a coastal fish of the family Arripidae from the temperate waters around southern and south-western Australia; despite the name it is not a true herring. The species grows to about 36 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with a blue-green back and yellow tints in the fins. It forms large, fast schools in coastal waters, bays and estuaries. As a fast predator it hunts small zooplankton, small fishes and crustaceans. The Australian herring is a highly popular sport and food fish. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Australian herring?

The Australian herring has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Australian herring live?

The Australian herring lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Australian herring get?

The Australian herring grows to a maximum of about 36 cm.

Is the Australian herring dangerous to humans?

No, the Australian herring is harmless to humans.

Is the Australian herring edible?

Yes, the Australian herring is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Australische haring (Arripis) sourced
English name
Australian herring sourced
Scientific name
Arripis georgianus
Family
Arripidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
36 sourced
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Arripis

More from the family Arripidae

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