The Australian Fish Names List was created in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including the professional and recreational fishing sectors and government, in order 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 |
Obselete 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.