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Giant Boarfish

Giant Boarfish

Paristiopterus Labiosus

Quick Facts

Scientific name Paristiopterus Labiosus

Other names Duckfish, Giant Penfish, Long Snouted Boarfish, Sowfish

Size Up to 100 cm (39 in)

Weight Up to 10 kg (22 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Generally in deep water on sandy or muddy bottoms along scattered weed edges or structures

Depth Range

Interesting Info

The Giant Boarfish is a deep water, bottom dwelling fish commonly found in depths of 20 m to 200 m (65 – 656 ft) hunting for food. They can be found in shallower waters during the summer spawning season.
They are a predator using their large snouts to dig and suck up invertebrates such as crabs, worms, sea cucumbers, starfish & small fish .
Little is known on the lifespan of the Giant Boarfish, but otolith microstructure studies have estimated up to 36 years.
Boarfish prefer muddy and sandy bottoms next to kelp and weeds, often hiding amongst the weed lines.
Adults are commonly found in pairs whilst juvenile fish can be found in small schools.
Boarfish are are a highly targeted fish for anglers.
Main predators of the Giant Boarfish include sharks and larger predatory fish.

Species Interaction

Recreational & Commercial Fishing

Giant Boarfish are a highly targeted fish for both anglers and commercial fishing. They command a high market price as they are a excellent eating fish.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Pentacerotidae

Genus: Paristiopterus

Species: Paristiopterus labiosus

Conservation Status

The Giant Boarfish are not evaluated on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) site. However, as its a fast growing species there are limited concerns of over fishing.