Australian Fish Names

The Australian Fish Names List was created in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including the professional and recreational fishing sectors and government, so that an Australian Fish Names Standard could be established to meet both the seafood industry and consumers expectations for safe food, fair-trading and truth in labelling.

The fact that one species could be called different names in different regions of Australia has caused much confusion over the years and has made enforcing truth in labelling a difficult task.

A classic example is the confusion that used to be caused over Dhufish, which is a Western Australian favourite, and Mulloway, which was known in the Eastern States as jewfish. In the new standard you will find reference only to Western Australian Dhufish and Mulloway, all other names will be listed under obsolete names.

 

To search the Australian Fish Names Database visit www.fishnames.com.au

 

Below is a list of popular species which have had a name change.

Standard Name
Obsolete Name
West Australian Dhufish Dhufish/Jewfish
Pearl Perch Northern Dhufish
Blue Swimmer Crab     Blue Manna Crab
Western Rocklobster Crayfish
Snapper Pink Snapper *
King Threadfin Threadfin Salmon *
Goldband Snapper
King Snapper
Saddletail Snapper
Scarlet Sea Perch
Spangled Emperor Nor-west Snapper
Moses Snapper Moses Perch
Bluespotted Emperor Nor-west Snapper
Theadfin Bream Butterfish
Tropical Snapper Seaperch
Crimson Snapper Crimson Seaperch
Stripey Snapper Spanish Flag
Painted Sweetlip Sweetlip *
Bight Redfish Nannygai/Red Snapper*
Bar Cod Grey-banded Cod*
Silver Trevally Skip Jack*
Blue Morwong Queen Snapper*
*Represents species referred to by obsolete name in some Department of Fisheries publications.

This new Australian Fish Names Standard will bring new confidence to the seafood eating public and everyone is encouraged to report any suspected substitution to the Australian Seafood Consumer Hotline number on 1800 737 147. Look for the Fish Names Standard logo to buy with confidence.