Fin's Fish Guide
The Kingfish (Centroberyx lineatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Berycidae that grows up to 46 cm.
Rocky reefs of the continental shelf of temperate seas of the southern hemisphere.
Description
The swallowtail nannygai (Centroberyx lineatus) is a deep-water fish of the family Berycidae from temperate seas of the Southern Hemisphere. The species has a streamlined, red-pink to silvery body with fine silvery lengthwise lines, large eyes and a deeply forked tail, and reaches about 46 cm. It lives on rocky reefs of the continental shelf and slope. The large eyes aid vision in the dim deep water. As a predator it feeds on zooplankton and small fishes. The species has firm, valued flesh and is fished commercially, often as bycatch of deep-sea fisheries.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Kingfish?
The Kingfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Red-pink body with silvery lines, large eyes and a deeply forked tail.
Where does the Kingfish live?
The Kingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Rocky reefs of the continental shelf of temperate seas of the southern hemisphere.
How big does the Kingfish get?
The Kingfish grows to a maximum of about 46 cm.
Is the Kingfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Kingfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Kingfish edible?
The Kingfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Centroberyx
More from the family Berycidae
Want the complete picture on the Kingfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Kingfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.