Home · Tetrarogidae · Bullrout
Bullrout (Centropogon marmoratus) — Tetrarogidae

Bullrout

Centropogon marmoratus
Family: Tetrarogidae
NE · Not Evaluated

The Bullrout (Centropogon marmoratus) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetrarogidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Southeastern Australia
Edibility
Not eaten

Want the complete picture on the Bullrout?

Get the app

Description

The marbled bullrout is a small, venomous waspfish from coastal and estuarine water of southeastern Australia. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a stocky, brown-mottled body that blends in well among seagrass, weed and rubble. In the dorsal, pelvic and anal fins it bears strong, venom-linked spines that cause an intense, painful reaction when they sting. As an ambush hunter it lies still in wait for small shrimp and fish. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bullrout?

The Bullrout has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Venomous dorsal, pelvic and anal fin spines; camouflaged waspfish

Where does the Bullrout live?

The Bullrout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Southeastern Australia

How big does the Bullrout get?

The Bullrout grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Bullrout dangerous to humans?

The Bullrout is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. If stung by the fin spines: immerse the affected part in water as hot as tolerable (about 45 C) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom, and seek medical help for severe pain or swelling.

Is the Bullrout edible?

The Bullrout is not usually eaten.

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Bullrout?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bullrout is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →

All data

Identification

English name
Bullrout verified
Scientific name
Centropogon marmoratus
Family
Tetrarogidae
Other names
Cobbler; Marbled fortescue verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.9 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Southeastern Australia verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small shrimps and small fishes inferred
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Camouflaged venomous waspfish; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Venomous dorsal, pelvic and anal fin spines; camouflaged waspfish sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified
First aid
If stung by the fin spines: immerse the affected part in water as hot as tolerable (about 45 C) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom, and seek medical help for severe pain or swelling. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Centropogon

More from the family Tetrarogidae

Fin

Want the complete picture on the Bullrout?

Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bullrout is one of 12,519 species in the app.

Get the app →
Is this the Bullrout? Get the app