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Wilson's seaperch (Hypoplectrodes wilsoni) — Serranidae

Wilson's seaperch

Hypoplectrodes wilsoni
Family: Serranidae

The Wilson's seaperch (Hypoplectrodes wilsoni) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
5–22 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The Wilson's seaperch is a perchlet (Serranidae) from rocky and coral-reef water around Australia and the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a stocky, often reddish to mottled body with large eyes and broad pectoral fins on which it rests on the bottom. As a bottom-oriented ambush predator it shelters in crevices and under overhangs and snaps at small crustaceans and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Wilson's seaperch?

The Wilson's seaperch has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Wilson's seaperch live?

The Wilson's seaperch lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Wilson's seaperch get?

The Wilson's seaperch grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Wilson's seaperch dangerous to humans?

No, the Wilson's seaperch 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.

More photos

Wilson's seaperch (Hypoplectrodes wilsoni) — Serranidae — 2
B. Hutchins, Western Australian Museum (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF
Wilson's seaperch (Hypoplectrodes wilsoni) — Serranidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Vin Rushworth, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
Wilson's seaperch (Hypoplectrodes wilsoni) — Serranidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Geof, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Wilson's seaperch (Hypoplectrodes wilsoni) — Serranidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Geof, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Wilson's seaperch sourced
Scientific name
Hypoplectrodes wilsoni
Family
Serranidae
Other names
Spotty seaperch sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Straight

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
5 verified
Max depth (m)
22 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Hypoplectrodes

More from the family Serranidae

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