Barber perch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Barber perch |
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The barber perch (Caesioperca rasor) is a cool fish found only in Australia. People also call it the barber sea perch, red perch, or Tasmanian barber. You can find it swimming in the waters from southern Victoria all the way to southwestern Western Australia, including around Tasmania.
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What Does the Barber Perch Look Like?
The barber perch has a body that is flat from side to side, like it's been squeezed. It can grow up to about 26 cm (10 in) long.
Colors and Markings
- Female barber perch and older young fish are usually pinkish.
- They have a big black stripe going up and down near their tail.
- There's also a blue line right under their eye.
- Smaller young fish have a black head too.
- Male barber perch look a bit different. They are silvery or yellowish.
- Males also have blue edges on their fins.
- Each scale on a male fish has a small blue spot.
How It's Different from Other Fish
The barber perch is related to the Butterfly perch. But the barber perch has a thinner body. Male barber perch are more blue. They also have a darker stripe on their side, not just a blotch. Sometimes, these two types of fish even swim together in the same groups!
How Does the Barber Perch Behave?
The barber perch loves to swim in groups. It forms large, dense schools of fish. You can find them in waters as deep as about 180 m (591 ft).
What Do They Eat?
The barber perch is mostly a piscivore. This means it mainly eats other fish.
