Leopard perch

Acanthistius pardalotus

Not Evaluated Saltwater

Max Length

37.0 cm

Color

Pale cream to yellowish body …

Depth Range

?-36m

Family

Anthiadidae

About

A spotted perch from shallow rocky reefs of Western Australia with a leopard-like brown-and-white spotted pattern. Inhabits caves and crevices on rocky reefs to 30m. Important recreational fish.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	37.0 cm
Depth Range	?-36m

Coloration

Pale cream to yellowish body covered with numerous round dark brown to black spots of varying size creating a leopard-like spotted pattern; spots extend onto all fins; belly paler with sparser spotting.

Habitat & Distribution

Neritic

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

?-36m

Geographic Range

Endemic to southwestern Australian coastal waters, from Shark Bay south and east around the coast of the Great Australian Bight to South Australia. Found on shallow subtidal rocky reefs and kelp-covered coastal habitats.

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Edibility & Culinary

Taste

A West Australian reef fish with a leopard-spotted pattern; edible with mild white flesh. A secondary recreational catch in WA coastal waters; suitable for pan-frying or baking when of sufficient size.