Fin's Fish Guide
The Gray goblinfish (Minous monodactylus) is a saltwater fish of the family Synanceiidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The grey goblinfish is a bottom-bound stonefish relative (Synanceiidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky, grey-brown body, a large head and a free lower pectoral ray that serves as a feeler. The dorsal spines are linked to venom glands and a sting is painful. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms between about ten and fifty-five metres and snaps at small crustaceans and small fish. Handle with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gray goblinfish?
The Gray goblinfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Venomous spines on the dorsal fin and a separate pectoral fin ray as a feeler
Where does the Gray goblinfish live?
The Gray goblinfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Gray goblinfish get?
The Gray goblinfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Gray goblinfish dangerous to humans?
The Gray goblinfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not touch or pick up; the dorsal spines carry venom. For a sting: immerse the wound in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C, not scalding) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom. For severe pain, swelling or breathing difficulty seek medical help and check tetanus status.
Is the Gray goblinfish edible?
The Gray goblinfish 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 Minous
More from the family Synanceiidae
Want the complete picture on the Gray goblinfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Gray goblinfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.