Dorab Wolf Herring

Chirocentrus Dorab
Dorab Wolf Herring - Marinewise © 2024 MarineWise

Quick Facts

Scientific name Chirocentrus Dorab
Other names Blackfin Wolf Herring, Knifefish, Leaping Silverbar, Ribbonfish, Wolf Herring
Size Up to 1 m (3.2 ft)
Weight Under 3 kg (6.6 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Coastal & brackish waters, estuaries, reef & oceanic areas
Depth Range 2 - 60 m (196 ft)
Wolf Herring Distribution

Interesting Info

  • The Dorab Wolf Herring is commonly found along the northern coastlines of Australia, particularly in the waters of Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, and northern parts of New South Wales.
  • They have a slender, elongated body and a sharply pointed snout. It has large, sharp teeth and a silver-coloured body with a bluish or greenish hue on the upper side and a silver-white underbelly.
  • As a predator, the Dorab Wolf Herring feeds on a variety of small fish and crustaceans, using its sharp teeth to capture and devour its prey.
  • They are known for their strong, muscular bodies and impressive speed, allowing them to swiftly chase down and capture their prey.
  • They are known to migrate in search of food and favourable breeding conditions, covering long distances along the coastline.
  • The Dorab Wolf Herring has an important ecological role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems as a top predator.
  • Breeding habits of the Dorab Wolf Herring are not well-documented, but they are known to spawn in the open waters of the ocean. The exact season of breeding may vary, but it is generally believed to occur during the warmer months of the year.
  • Dorab Wolf Herrings are known to form schools or shoals, especially during their migration and breeding periods. These groups can consist of hundreds or even thousands of individuals.
  • Their estimated average lifespan is between 10 – 15 years.
Species Interaction

Recreational Fishing, Snorkeling & Diving

Popularity of catching Dorab Wolf Herring varies depending on the region and the preferences of anglers. While they are not typically considered a primary target species in recreational fishing, they do hold appeal for certain anglers due to their size, strength, and challenging nature. Observing them in the wild can be an exciting experience for snorkelers and divers. They are known to be fast swimmers and exhibit a powerful hunting technique, making them a thrilling sight to see.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Clupeiformes

Family: Chirocentridae

Genus: Chirocentrus

Species: Chirocentrus Dorab

Conservation Status

In Australia, the Dorab Wolf Herring is not listed as a protected species under national environmental legislation, but it is subject to various fishing regulations to ensure sustainability. The conservation status of the Dorab Wolf Herring is categorised as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Fish Taste Quality

Dorab Wolf Herring are an edible fish and its desirability varies depending on personal taste and regional culinary traditions. It is firm and mild, similar to other white-fleshed fish.

Taste Rating: 2/5

How to catch
Dorab Wolf Herring

Catch Difficulty: Intermediate

Tackle: Floater Rig, Artificial Rig, Large circle hook rigged on leader with/without sinker with a crimp sleeve

Bait: Lures, Soft plastics, Live minnow

Technique: Cast bait/jig/lure near schooling fish, Trolling, Cast lures with a fast retrieve

Popularity: Targeted

Recreational Viewing
- Snorkeling & Scuba

Finding: Intermediate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Location: Inner Reef, Outer Reef, Lagoon

Danger: None