Fin's Fish Guide
The Common stinkfish (Foetorepus calauropomus) is a saltwater fish of the family Callionymidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The common stinkfish is a dragonet (Callionymidae) from the temperate coastal waters of southern Australia. The species has a flattened head and a slender body, often handsomely coloured. The name refers to the acidic smell of the slime covering the body; this slime tastes bitter and may be toxic, so that only a few birds of prey eat this fish. It lives on soft sandy bottoms of the continental shelf, where with its inferior mouth it picks up small benthic invertebrates. To humans the species is harmless.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common stinkfish?
The Common stinkfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Bitter, possibly poisonous skin mucus with a sour smell that deters predators.
Where does the Common stinkfish live?
The Common stinkfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Temperate coastal waters of southern Australia; soft sandy bottoms.
How big does the Common stinkfish get?
The Common stinkfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Common stinkfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Common stinkfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Common stinkfish edible?
The Common stinkfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Foetorepus
More from the family Callionymidae
Want the complete picture on the Common stinkfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common stinkfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.