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Nurseryfish (Kurtus gulliveri) — Kurtidae

Nurseryfish

Kurtus gulliveri
Family: Kurtidae

The Nurseryfish (Kurtus gulliveri) is a brackish-water fish of the family Kurtidae that grows up to 63 cm.

Length
63 cm
Water
Brackish
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The nurseryfish is a remarkable perch-like fish (Kurtidae) from fresh and brackish water of northern Australia and southern New Guinea. The species grows to about 63 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, silver-grey body with a steep back. The male carries the cluster of eggs on a hook-shaped projection on his forehead until they hatch, a unique form of brood care. As a predator it hunts shrimp and small fish in turbid water. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Nurseryfish?

The Nurseryfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Nurseryfish live?

The Nurseryfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Nurseryfish get?

The Nurseryfish grows to a maximum of about 63 cm.

Is the Nurseryfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Nurseryfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Babyverzorger sourced
English name
Nurseryfish sourced
Scientific name
Kurtus gulliveri
Family
Kurtidae
Other names
Humphead; Incubator fish; Incubator-fish; Nursery fish; Nurseryfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
63.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Kurtus

More from the family Kurtidae

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