About Latropiscis purpurissatus (Richardson, 1843)
Common Name and Endemic Status
Latropiscis purpurissatus, commonly known as the sergeant baker, is a species of flagfin that is endemic to Australia.
Genus and Size
It is the only confirmed known member of the genus Latropiscis, and reaches a maximum total length of 60.0 centimetres (23.6 in).
Etymology
According to the Australian Museum, this fish is named for Sergeant William Baker, who served as orderly sergeant to Admiral Arthur Phillip, and may have been the first colonist to catch this species.
Namesake Background
Baker originally sailed to Australia on the transport ship Charlotte as a Corporal of Marines.
Distribution and Habitat
The sergeant baker is commonly found in warm southern Australian waters between Queensland and Western Australia, where it lives on the bottom of coastal and deep reef environments.
Catchability and Edibility
It will readily take bait or lures, but its meat is generally considered poor quality for eating.
