This order of fish (Beryciformes) include about seven families of fish, all of which have spiny scales, large mouths and eyes, and are carnivorous (they feed mostly on other small fish and crustaceans and hunt at night). During the day these fish are often hiding under rocks and other hidey holes.

This order of fish are known as squirrelfish, roughies and sawbellies. It includes a very special species seen rarely in Sydney, called the Pineapplefish (also known as the Knightfish).

In Sydney we can see the familes Monocentridae (Pineapplefish) and Trachichthyidae (Roughies). More information and pictures of these species are available in the links below:

• Family Monocentridae (Pineapplefish)
  • ​Species Cleidopus gloriamaris (Pineapplefish)
    
• Family Trachichthyidae (Roughies)
  • ​Species Trachichthys australis (Roughy)

Pineapplefish (Cleidopus gloriamaris)

Roughy (Trachichthys australis)