Rudie Hermann Kuiter, Aquatic Photographics, Australien
Info
World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), CAS - Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes and Fishes of Australia do not know the cod, FishBase, Reef Life Survey and the IUCN Red List so far.
There does not appear to be a documented first description of the species.
Pseudophycis palmata inhabits muddy, sandy, and rocky areas in bays, estuaries, and coastal waters.
This nocturnal species is rarely seen during the day.
Pseudophycis palmata is distinguished from the bearded cod, Pseudophycis barbata, and the hybrid red cod, Pseudophycis breviuscula, by a black spot at the base of the pectoral fin and a truncated caudal fin margin in adults. In Pseudophycis palmata, the lower half of the body and the lower half or more of the anal fin are also predominantly white, whereas in the other species they are tan to brown (although these areas are occasionally orange to pink in all species).
Australian red cod are caught and retained as bycatch in commercial fisheries, although their flesh is soft and has little flavor.
Pseudophycis palmata is an important prey species for some high trophic level predators, including pygmy penguins such as Eudyptula minor, Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus), and New Zealand fur seals such as Arctocephalus forsteri.
The specific name is derived from the Latin palmatus (= palmate, like a hand), but is unclear why Klunzinger used this name.
Synonym: Physiculus palmatus Klunzinger, 1872
There does not appear to be a documented first description of the species.
Pseudophycis palmata inhabits muddy, sandy, and rocky areas in bays, estuaries, and coastal waters.
This nocturnal species is rarely seen during the day.
Pseudophycis palmata is distinguished from the bearded cod, Pseudophycis barbata, and the hybrid red cod, Pseudophycis breviuscula, by a black spot at the base of the pectoral fin and a truncated caudal fin margin in adults. In Pseudophycis palmata, the lower half of the body and the lower half or more of the anal fin are also predominantly white, whereas in the other species they are tan to brown (although these areas are occasionally orange to pink in all species).
Australian red cod are caught and retained as bycatch in commercial fisheries, although their flesh is soft and has little flavor.
Pseudophycis palmata is an important prey species for some high trophic level predators, including pygmy penguins such as Eudyptula minor, Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus), and New Zealand fur seals such as Arctocephalus forsteri.
The specific name is derived from the Latin palmatus (= palmate, like a hand), but is unclear why Klunzinger used this name.
Synonym: Physiculus palmatus Klunzinger, 1872
