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Eastern spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla pleuracanthica) — Triglidae

Eastern spiny gurnard

Lepidotrigla pleuracanthica
Family: Triglidae

The Eastern spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla pleuracanthica) is a saltwater fish of the family Triglidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–50.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The Eastern spiny gurnard is a searobin (Triglidae) from sand and mud bottoms of the waters around eastern Australia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate body with an armoured head, large, fan-shaped pectoral fins and separate, finger-like lower rays with which it 'walks' over the bottom and feels for prey. Thus it searches for small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Eastern spiny gurnard?

The Eastern spiny gurnard has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Eastern spiny gurnard live?

The Eastern spiny gurnard lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Eastern spiny gurnard get?

The Eastern spiny gurnard grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 16 cm.

Is the Eastern spiny gurnard dangerous to humans?

No, the Eastern spiny gurnard is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Eastern spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla pleuracanthica) — Triglidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Peter, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Eastern spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla pleuracanthica) — Triglidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Josh Moloney, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Eastern spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla pleuracanthica) — Triglidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Erik Schlögl, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Eastern spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla pleuracanthica) — Triglidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Wayne Martin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Eastern spiny gurnard sourced
Scientific name
Lepidotrigla pleuracanthica
Family
Triglidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Average length (cm)
16.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
50.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Lepidotrigla

More from the family Triglidae

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