Swallowtail

The swallow-tail or kingfish (Centroberyx lineatus) is a member of the family Berycidae. It is native to the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific Ocean off of Madagascar and from Australia to Japan. It can reach sizes of up to 46.0 centimetres (18.1 in) TL. It can be found on the continental shelf and continental slope around rocky reefs anywhere from 15 to 280 metres (49 to 919 ft) deep.

Description

A medium-sized silvery-red Redfish with reddish scale edges forming narrow horizontal lines along the sides, a red eye, red fins, and pale upper and lower margins on the caudal fin.

Dorsal fin VI, 14; Anal fin IV, 14; Caudal fin 19; Pectoral fin 14; Pelvic fin I, 7; Lateral line scales 48-51. Body rather shallow (approx. 38% SL), moderately compressed. Head large (approx. 32% SL), with finely serrated bony ridges; eye large (approx. 40% HL); mouth large, oblique, reaching past centre of eye; teeth minute, broad band in upper jaw, narrow band in lower; operculum with serrated bony border. Scales fairly small, distinctly ctenoid, covering body, cheek and operculum anteriorly; lateral line straight; scales between dorsal fin and lateral line 7. Single dorsal fin of moderate length, positioned centrally on back with spines progressively increasing and rays progressively decreasing in length from front to rear; anal fin similar to dorsal fin in shape, opposite soft part of dorsal, ending slightly past posterior end of dorsal-fin base; caudal fin deeply forked, tips extended. Pectoral fins long and pointed, upper rays longest. Pelvic fins pointed, origin below pectoral- fin base.

Distribution and habitat

ENE of Merimbula, New South Wales, to southwest of Shark Bay, Western Australia; not known from Tasmania. Elsewhere the species occurs in Japan. Forms schools near rocky outcrops, pinnacles and reefs in depths of 12-160 metres.