Sergeant Baker - Hime purpurissatus

The Sergeant Baker (Hime purpurissatus) is a common fish often seen resting on rocks at the Haven and many other places around the Central Coast.

Sergeant Baker - Commonly seen resting on rocks. Photo by Keith Bishop.

 

It's easy to tell the difference between males and females by looking at their dorsal fin (the fins/rays on their back just behind their head). Males have an elongated ray that can almost reach the tail in some older individuals. Females lack this elongated fin ray.

Female Sergeant Baker. Photo by Keith Bishop.

Male Sergeant Baker. Photo by Keith Bishop.

Sergeant Bakers can grow to around 70cm in length and are found all around the bottom of Australia from central WA to southern QLD. Unfortunately for all you seafood eaters, this fish is reported to have poor tasting flesh.

Male Sergeant Baker displaying extended dorsal fin ray.

Sergeant Bakers are not an aggressive fish and are easy to approach when they are resting on the bottom. You can tell when you have pushed your limits and the fish is getting annoyed as they will raise their dorsal fin and usually just quickly jump up and swim away.

 

I have found the best way to approach if you want a closer look or to get some good photos (like Keith has above), is to stay low and creep up slowly. Once the dorsal fin starts to raise you know you have reached the point where the fish starts to feel threatened. Back away slightly and the fin should go down, then slowly start to move forward again. This way the fish gets acclimatised to you a bit better and seems to feel more comfortable.

 

As always with marine life - Do not purposely stir up or harass these fish (or any marine creature). Enjoy looking at these awesome fish and enjoy your diving!