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Gulf gurnard perch (Neosebastes bougainvillii) — Neosebastidae

Gulf gurnard perch

Neosebastes bougainvillii
Family: Neosebastidae

The Gulf gurnard perch (Neosebastes bougainvillii) is a saltwater fish of the family Neosebastidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–100.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The gulf gurnard perch is a scorpionfish relative (Neosebastidae) from temperate coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a stocky, reddish body with a large, spiny head. The dorsal spines are linked to venom and a sting is painful. As a bottom-dweller it lives on sand, rock and reef bottoms between about ten and one hundred metres and snaps at fish and crustaceans. Handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Gulf gurnard perch?

The Gulf gurnard perch has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly red-orange. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Gulf gurnard perch live?

The Gulf gurnard perch lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Gulf gurnard perch get?

The Gulf gurnard perch grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.

Is the Gulf gurnard perch dangerous to humans?

The Gulf gurnard perch is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not touch or pick up; the fin 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Gulf gurnard perch sourced
Scientific name
Neosebastes bougainvillii
Family
Neosebastidae
Other names
Gulf gurnard perch; Gulf gurnard scorpionfish; Gulf perch verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
40.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
100.0 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
Special features
Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified
First aid
Do not touch or pick up; the fin 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. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Neosebastes

More from the family Neosebastidae

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