Australian Fish Photos, Seafood Photographs and Information

Directory & Info for Fishing, Angling, Fishing Tackle, Fishing Guides, Fly Fishing, Bass Fishing, Sports fishing, Game Fishing....
See >> Info on All types of Fishing | Angling | Tackle etc

Photos of  Australian Seafood, Fish, Crustaceans & Cephalopods and Information on each....

Beche De Mer
(Sea Cucumber - Trepang)

Ocean Perch are also known as red gurnard perch (WA, SA, Tas.); coral cod, coral perch (NSW, Vic.); red perch (SA); sea perch (Tas.)

Ocean Perch are pink with reddish-brown or orange bands on the body that may be faint in some individuals.  They have a series of small spines on the top of the head and operculum, although the body ridge below the eye is spineless.

Ocean Perch are found in southern Australian waters.  They are also found in New Zealand waters.

Adult Ocean Perch are found in waters with depths from 50 metres to 750 metres.   There are two recognised forms of Ocean Perch in the waters of New South Wales.   These are referred to as 'inshore' and 'offshore' forms, based on their preferred depth ranges.  The inshore form is dominant in depths of less than 300 metres and the offshore form is most common in deeper waters.

Reproduction in Ocean Perch is distinct in that fertilisation is internal.  Larvae stay within the female fish until they are approximately 1mm long, before they are released into the water.  It is believed that the reproductive season for ocean perch in New South Wales waters extends from June to November.

Ocean Perch have a slow growth rate and may be long-lived.  The maximum age recorded from examination of otolith risings is 42 years.  Ocean perch reach a size of at least 44 cm fork length and 1.4 kg.

Ocean perch feed by resting on the sea bed and ambushing their prey.  Their diet includes. squid, royal red prawns and cardinal fish.

Ocean Perch was a minor commercial species prior to the mid 1970s when the development of trawl fisheries commenced in deep waters off New South Wales and eastern Victoria.   Demersal otter trawling is the main method used to catch ocean perch.  They are sold whole and chilled to domestic fresh fish markets.  They are an excellent table fish.

About 100 species of Ocean Perch occur locally but only a dozen or so are marketed. They have venomous spines in the dorsal, anal and pelvic fins which are capable of inflicting a painful wound.

Angling for Ocean Perch:

Saltwater Fish - What bait to use for fishing - a list of saltwater baits with the main "diners" who will be tempted.

Cooking Ocean Perch:

Ocean Perch - Flesh white, medium texture, suited to all cooking methods.

With its white flesh and delicate flavour, Ocean Perch can be prepared in many ways. However, the preparation should enhance and accentuate the delicate flavour. The best cooking methods are grilling and barbecuing, poaching, shallow frying, baking and steaming.

Sear sliced eggplant, zucchini, red capsicum, mushrooms and leeks. Layer these in a baking dish and cover with heated chopped tomatoes flavoured with garlic and basil. Lay ocean perch fillets on the ratatouille, cover, and bake until just cooked. Serve with shaved parmesan cheese.

Ocean perch is excellent steamed whole (gilled and gutted), Asian style.

Recovery rate, Fillets (skin on, wing off): 30% from whole ocean perch

Microwave Cooking Times for Fish
- Fish fillets – 5 minutes per 500g on medium-high, +50 seconds more for thicker fillets, or until flesh flakes
- Whole fish - Large – 6 minutes/750g on medium
- Whole fish – Small – 3-4 minutes on medium

Pan Seared Perch with Fried Capers	Perch with Cucumber and Mint Salsa	Fresh Perch in Brown Butter	Funked-up Fish Pie

Caught mainly as bycatch of trawl fisheries and to a lesser extent the hook industry although good catches of high quality have been caught.

Exporters of Ocean Perch  |  Importers of Ocean Perch  |  Processors of Ocean Perch  |  Wholesale Suppliers of Ocean Perch  |  Seafood Buyers Agents for Ocean Perch

More links about Ocean Perch

Australian Government - Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (PDF file) - Australian Fisheries Statistics 2010/2011