Fin's Fish Guide
The Bight gurnard (Lepidotrigla vanessa) is a saltwater fish of the family Triglidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Temperate waters around southern Australia; sandy bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
The butterfly gurnard is a sea robin of the gurnard family (Triglidae) from the temperate waters around southern Australia. The species grows to about 28 cm and has a reddish body with an armoured, spiny head and large, fan-like pectoral fins with a conspicuous, butterfly-wing-like pattern, to which the name refers. The lower pectoral rays are modified into free, finger-like feelers with which it probes and feels the sand bottom for prey. It lives on sand bottoms of the continental shelf. As a bottom searcher it feeds on small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. Gurnards can make grunting sounds with the swim bladder. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bight gurnard?
The Bight gurnard has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Large, fan-shaped pectoral fins with a butterfly-wing-like pattern; finger-like feelers for probing the bottom.
Where does the Bight gurnard live?
The Bight gurnard lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Temperate waters around southern Australia; sandy bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Bight gurnard get?
The Bight gurnard grows to a maximum of about 28 cm.
Is the Bight gurnard dangerous to humans?
No, the Bight gurnard is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bight gurnard edible?
The Bight gurnard is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lepidotrigla
More from the family Triglidae
Want the complete picture on the Bight gurnard?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bight gurnard is one of 12,519 species in the app.