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Armoured gurnard (Gargariscus prionocephalus) — Peristediidae

Armoured gurnard

Gargariscus prionocephalus
Family: Peristediidae

The Armoured gurnard (Gargariscus prionocephalus) is a saltwater fish of the family Peristediidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–304.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and others

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Description

The armoured gurnard is a remarkable gurnard relative (Peristediidae) from deeper coastal waters of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a bony-plated, reddish body, a flattened head with projections and free, finger-like lower pectoral rays with which it 'walks' over the bottom and feels for prey. On the continental slope it searches for small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Armoured gurnard?

The Armoured gurnard has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Armoured gurnard live?

The Armoured gurnard lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and others

How big does the Armoured gurnard get?

The Armoured gurnard grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Armoured gurnard dangerous to humans?

No, the Armoured gurnard is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Armoured gurnard (Gargariscus prionocephalus) — Peristediidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Shawn Miller, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Armoured gurnard (Gargariscus prionocephalus) — Peristediidae — 3
Australian National Fish Collection, CSIRO (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF
Armoured gurnard (Gargariscus prionocephalus) — Peristediidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Josephe Huët (Public domain)
Armoured gurnard (Gargariscus prionocephalus) — Peristediidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Frank Schulenburg (CC0)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Armoured gurnard sourced
Scientific name
Gargariscus prionocephalus
Family
Peristediidae
Other names
Jaggedhead armoured gurnard; Jaggedhead gurnard; Armoured sea robin verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
304.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Peristediidae

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