Fin's Fish Guide
The African armoured searobin (Peristedion cataphractum) is a saltwater fish of the family Peristediidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from the British Isles and the English Channel to Angola, including the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The African armoured searobin is a striking deep-water searobin of the family Peristediidae reaching about 40 cm. The body is entirely covered with rows of bony armoured plates and is reddish in colour. A forked, forward-projecting snout (rostrum) extends from the front, which the fish uses to root through mud. Barbels sit beneath the chin, and the lower pectoral rays are free, letting the searobin 'walk' over the bottom and detect food. The species lives gregariously on mud and rock bottoms of the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, usually between 50 and 150 m. It has only limited commercial value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African armoured searobin?
The African armoured searobin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Deep-water gurnard completely covered with bony armour plates and a forked, forward-projecting snout (rostrum); 'walks' over the bottom on separate pectoral fin rays.
Where does the African armoured searobin live?
The African armoured searobin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from the British Isles and the English Channel to Angola, including the Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the African armoured searobin get?
The African armoured searobin grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the African armoured searobin dangerous to humans?
No, the African armoured searobin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the African armoured searobin edible?
The African armoured searobin is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Peristedion
More from the family Peristediidae
Want the complete picture on the African armoured searobin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African armoured searobin is one of 12,519 species in the app.