Fin's Fish Guide
The Fourhorn poacher (Hypsagonus quadricornis) is a saltwater fish of the family Agonidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
The fourhorn poacher is a small poacher from the cold waters of the northern Pacific. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a deep, angular body entirely armoured with bony plates and four knobbly projections (horns) on the head. As a slow bottom-dweller it lives on rocky and soft bottoms of the continental shelf to about 450 metres and searches for small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans and has no commercial value. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Fourhorn poacher?
The Fourhorn poacher has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Bony armoured body with four head horns; slow bottom-living armoured gurnard
Where does the Fourhorn poacher live?
The Fourhorn poacher lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Pacific
How big does the Fourhorn poacher get?
The Fourhorn poacher grows to a maximum of about 12 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Fourhorn poacher dangerous to humans?
No, the Fourhorn poacher 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.
Is the Fourhorn poacher edible?
The Fourhorn poacher is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Agonidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Fourhorn poacher is one of 12,519 species in the app.