Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.
Open the appDescription
Girella elevata, commonly known as the Rock Blackfish, is a robust, dark-bodied marine fish belonging to the family Girellidae. It is a highly sought-after species by recreational anglers due to its fighting qualities and culinary value. This species is characterized by its deep body, small mouth, and strong dentition adapted for grazing on algae and invertebrates from rocky substrates. It is an important component of the inshore rocky reef ecosystems along the southeastern coast of Australia.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- compressed
- Coloration
- Adults are typically dark grey to black dorsally, fading to a lighter grey or silvery-white ventrally. Juveniles may exhibit faint vertical banding or a more mottled pattern. Fins are generally dark, matching the body coloration.
- Scale type
- ctenoid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Deep, compressed body, Small, protractile mouth with incisiform teeth, Strong, spiny dorsal fin, Large, dark scales, Absence of a distinct lateral line spot
- Dorsal fin
- Single dorsal fin with 13-15 strong spines followed by 12-16 soft rays. The spiny portion is longer than the soft-rayed portion.
- Tail fin
- Moderately forked caudal fin.
- Pectoral fin
- Pectoral fins are relatively short and rounded.
- Distinctive fins
- Anal fin with 3 spines and 11-13 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic.
Identification Tips
Body Coloration
Look for the characteristic dark grey to black body, often appearing almost uniformly black in deeper water or when freshly caught.
Mouth and Teeth
Observe the small, almost parrot-like mouth with strong, chisel-like incisor teeth, adapted for scraping algae.
Dorsal Fin
Note the prominent, spiny dorsal fin, which is longer in its spiny portion than its soft-rayed portion.
Body Shape
Its deep, compressed body is a key identifier, distinguishing it from more elongated reef fish.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found in shallow coastal waters, from the intertidal zone down to about 30 meters (100 feet).
- Environment
- Strongly associated with rocky reefs, kelp beds, and areas with abundant algal growth. They inhabit gutters, wash-throughs, and deeper reef edges, often seeking shelter in crevices and under ledges.
- Geographic range
- Endemic to the temperate waters of southeastern Australia, from southern Queensland, throughout New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, extending west to South Australia.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Diet: omnivore
- Minimum tank size: 750L (200 gallons)
- Temperature: 18-24°C (64-75°F)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibility: Best kept in a species-specific tank or with other large, robust, and semi-aggressive marine fish. Not suitable for reef tanks due to its herbivorous diet and potential to graze on corals and invertebrates.
- Special requirements: Requires a large, well-filtered aquarium with ample rockwork for shelter and grazing surfaces. A strong current is beneficial. Diet should consist primarily of marine algae, spirulina, and high-quality omnivore pellets, supplemented with occasional meaty foods.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Can be caught year-round, but often more active and targeted during cooler months when they are closer to shore and feeding actively.
- Market price: Moderate to high, depending on size and region.
- Commercial importance: medium
- Taste: Mild, firm, and flaky white flesh.
- Texture: Firm, moist, and relatively low in oil content.
- Cooking methods: baked, grilled, fried, steamed
- Nutritional value: Good source of lean protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Key Facts
Algae Grazerbehavior
Rock Blackfish play a crucial ecological role as primary consumers, grazing on algae and helping to maintain the health of rocky reef ecosystems.
Territorial Naturebehavior
Adult Rock Blackfish are often quite territorial, especially around preferred feeding grounds and shelters, which can make them challenging but rewarding targets for anglers.
Longevityinteresting
Studies have shown that Rock Blackfish can live for over 20 years, indicating a relatively slow growth rate and long lifespan for a coastal reef fish.
Angler's Delightinteresting
Known for their powerful fighting ability when hooked, Rock Blackfish are highly regarded by recreational shore-based anglers in Australia.
Safety Information
Handle with care- Safety level: caution
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: While not venomous, Rock Blackfish possess strong dorsal and anal fin spines that can inflict painful punctures. Care should be taken when handling to avoid injury. Their small, strong teeth can also deliver a nip if fingers are placed in the mouth. Always use appropriate tools like lip grippers or gloves when unhooking.
Similar Species
Silver Drummer
Kyphosus sydneyanus
Silver Drummer typically has a lighter, silvery-grey coloration, a more elongated body, and a larger eye relative to its head size. Its dorsal fin spines are generally shorter and less robust than those of the Rock Blackfish.
Luderick (Blackfish)
Girella tricuspidata
Luderick (also commonly called Blackfish) has distinct dark vertical bands on a silvery-grey body, especially when young, which fade with age but are usually still discernible. Its mouth is also smaller and more pointed than the Rock Blackfish, and its teeth are more numerous and finer.
Zebrafish
Girella zebra
Zebrafish are easily distinguished by their prominent, contrasting black and white vertical bands across the body. They also tend to be smaller and have a more rounded body profile.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Girellidae
- Genus
- Girella
- Species
- Girella elevata
Explore Rock Blackfish
Identify fish anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.