How to Identify Rock Blackfish

To identify Rock Blackfish (Girella elevata), look at these key features.

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

1. 1

   Body Coloration

   Look for the characteristic dark grey to black body, often appearing almost uniformly black in deeper water or when freshly caught.

2. 2

   Mouth and Teeth

   Observe the small, almost parrot-like mouth with strong, chisel-like incisor teeth, adapted for scraping algae.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fin

   Note the prominent, spiny dorsal fin, which is longer in its spiny portion than its soft-rayed portion.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   Its deep, compressed body is a key identifier, distinguishing it from more elongated reef fish.

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