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Fivekeel stinger (Minous quincarinatus) — Synanceiidae

Fivekeel stinger

Minous quincarinatus
Family: Synanceiidae

The Fivekeel stinger (Minous quincarinatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Synanceiidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
115.0–172.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea (South), Philippines

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Description

The Fivekeel stinger is a stinging fish (Synanceiidae) from shallow coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a stocky, strongly camouflaged body with skin flaps and loose, finger-like lower pectoral rays with which it 'walks' over the bottom. As an ambush predator it lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms. The dorsal spines are venomous and can give a very painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fivekeel stinger?

The Fivekeel stinger has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Fivekeel stinger live?

The Fivekeel stinger lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea (South), Philippines

How big does the Fivekeel stinger get?

The Fivekeel stinger grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Fivekeel stinger dangerous to humans?

The Fivekeel stinger is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Fivekeel stinger sourced
Scientific name
Minous quincarinatus
Family
Synanceiidae
Other names
Stonefish; Whitetail goblinfish; Scorpionfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped 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)
115.0 verified
Max depth (m)
172.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea (South), Philippines 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
Special features
Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified
First aid
For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Minous

More from the family Synanceiidae

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