Author: (Cuvier, 1832)
FBname: Silver gemfish
Comments: Found in schools on continental shelf and slope.  They are normally caught close to the sea bed but probably move into midwater at times (Ref. 28786).  Juveniles are pelagic, adults also occur near the surface off Tasmania and New Zealand.  Dense schools of pre-spawners migrate along the continental slope at about 400 m during winter (Ref. 9563).  Feed on fish, squid and crustaceans.  The flesh is of good edible quality and especially tasty when smoked.  In Australia, the eastern gemfish stock has been subjected to a prolonged period of poor recruitment which started in 1989 (Ref. 28843, 28786).  This event resulted in a very significant decline in the gemfish resource.  In Australia, efforts are now being channeled towards the recovery of the fishery.