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Barbed armoured gurnard (Peristedion barbiger) — Peristediidae

Barbed armoured gurnard

Peristedion barbiger
Family: Peristediidae

The Barbed armoured gurnard (Peristedion barbiger) is a saltwater fish of the family Peristediidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
13.7 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–102.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Ecuador, Galapagos Is., Nicaragua, Panama

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Description

The Barbed armoured gurnard is an armoured gurnard (Peristediidae) from deeper coastal waters of the western Atlantic. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a bony-plated, reddish body, a flattened head with snout 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 Barbed armoured gurnard?

The Barbed armoured gurnard has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Barbed armoured gurnard live?

The Barbed armoured gurnard lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Ecuador, Galapagos Is., Nicaragua, Panama

How big does the Barbed armoured gurnard get?

The Barbed armoured gurnard grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Barbed armoured gurnard dangerous to humans?

No, the Barbed 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Barbed armoured gurnard sourced
Scientific name
Peristedion barbiger
Family
Peristediidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.7 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
102.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Ecuador, Galapagos Is., Nicaragua, Panama 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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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

Same genus Peristedion

More from the family Peristediidae

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