unidentified reef species

[jordan.widz]

Caught 10k off Lauriton over reefy bottom on a whole pillie... Any ideas?

[Michael Hatte]

Pigfish

[jordan.widz]

Here's a pic of what I thought was a pigfish, caught in a similar location as the other one last year.

Maybe I need an ID for this one aswell.

[Michael Hatte]

Thats a Goatfish

[james7]

bloopin is correct on both accounts.

I think your pigfish Prawn Star is a male.

Here is a female pigfish. They are usually smaller, have dark marks and are more "yellowish" in colour.

Cheers

Peter

[jordan.widz]

Thanks guys for clearing that up would you happen to know what the pigfish is like on the plate, I threw it back because it was loosing its scales and had a thick layer of slime on it, I do remember the goatfish tasting very good though.

[Michael Hatte]

Pigfish are sensational on the plate mate,they are a prize catch when your bottom bashing offshore reefs off NSW

They dont grow that big, 40-50cm is a thumper fish and id prob compare them to Sweetlip or Coral Trout in eating quality.