Sergeant Baker (Latropiscis purpurissatus) lives in coastal deep-reef bottom across southern Australia. It feeds on baits and lures. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
Fascinating facts about the Sergeant Baker
- At 60.0 cm long (about 23.6 in), the sergeant baker is the only known member of its genus.
- The species is found in Australia's warm southern waters from Queensland to Western Australia, inhabiting coastal and deep-reef bottom habitats.
- The name honors Sergeant William Baker, who arrived on the transport ship Charlotte as a Corporal of Marines and may have been the first colonist to reel in this fish, linking modern marine science to a historic 18th-century landing.
- Unlike many flagfins prized for food, sergeant bakers are generally considered poor eating, reminding anglers that not every tasty-looking catch is a culinary treasure.
- Being the sole representative of its genus Latropiscis, this fish is the only known species in that genus.
At a glance
Rangesouthern Australia
Habitatcoastal deep-reef bottom
Dietbaits and lures
About the Sergeant Baker
Latropiscis purpurissatus, known as the sergeant baker, is a flagfin that reaches a total length of 60.0 centimetres (23.6 in). It is endemic to Australia and inhabits the bottom of coastal and deep-reef environments between Queensland and Western Australia. It readily takes bait or lures, but is generally considered poor eating.
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