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Longsnout armoured gurnard (Peristedion longispatha) — Peristediidae

Longsnout armoured gurnard

Peristedion longispatha
Family: Peristediidae

The Longsnout armoured gurnard (Peristedion longispatha) is a saltwater fish of the family Peristediidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Barbados, Cuba, Mexico

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Description

The Longsnout armoured gurnard is an armoured gurnard (Peristediidae) from deeper coastal waters of the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a bony-plated, reddish body, a flattened head with snout projections and free, finger-like lower pectoral rays with which it 'walks' over the bottom and feels for prey. On the continental slope it searches for small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longsnout armoured gurnard?

The Longsnout armoured gurnard has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Longsnout armoured gurnard live?

The Longsnout armoured gurnard lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Barbados, Cuba, Mexico

How big does the Longsnout armoured gurnard get?

The Longsnout armoured gurnard grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Longsnout armoured gurnard dangerous to humans?

No, the Longsnout armoured gurnard 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Longsnout armoured gurnard sourced
Scientific name
Peristedion longispatha
Family
Peristediidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Barbados, Cuba, Mexico 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

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
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Peristedion

More from the family Peristediidae

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