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Striped stingfish (Choridactylus striatus) — Synanceiidae

Striped stingfish

Choridactylus striatus
Family: Synanceiidae

The Striped stingfish (Choridactylus striatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Synanceiidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
15.9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
26.0–33.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

Description

The striped stingfish is a stonefish relative (Synanceiidae) from shallow sand and mud water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky, brown to reddish body with free lower pectoral rays with which it 'walks' over the bottom and half-buries itself. As a motionless, camouflaged ambush predator it snaps at small crustaceans and small fish. The dorsal spines are strongly venomous and can give a very painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Striped stingfish?

The Striped stingfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Striped stingfish live?

The Striped stingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Striped stingfish get?

The Striped stingfish grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Striped stingfish dangerous to humans?

The Striped stingfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Streep-duivelsteker sourced
English name
Striped stingfish sourced
Scientific name
Choridactylus striatus
Family
Synanceiidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.9 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
26.0 verified
Max depth (m)
33.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Choridactylus

More from the family Synanceiidae

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