Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigspine armorhead (Pentaceros decacanthus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pentacerotidae that grows up to 26 cm.
Temperate waters around southern Australia and New Zealand; continental shelf and slope.
Description
The bigspined boarfish is a deep-water fish of the boarfish family (Pentacerotidae) from the temperate waters around southern Australia and New Zealand. The species grows to about 26 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery-grey body with a rough, partly bony-armoured head and stout dorsal-fin spines. It lives on the continental shelf and slope, usually deeper than 300 metres. As a bottom searcher it feeds on small invertebrates. Owing to its deep habits the species is not often seen. It is harmless to humans, though the stout spines can prick.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bigspine armorhead?
The Bigspine armorhead has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Rough, partly bony-armoured head and stout dorsal fin spines; deep-water dweller.
Where does the Bigspine armorhead live?
The Bigspine armorhead lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Temperate waters around southern Australia and New Zealand; continental shelf and slope.
How big does the Bigspine armorhead get?
The Bigspine armorhead grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.
Is the Bigspine armorhead dangerous to humans?
No, the Bigspine armorhead is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bigspine armorhead edible?
The Bigspine armorhead is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pentaceros
More from the family Pentacerotidae
Want the complete picture on the Bigspine armorhead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigspine armorhead is one of 12,519 species in the app.