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Longsnout gurnard perch (Neosebastes longirostris) — Neosebastidae

Longsnout gurnard perch

Neosebastes longirostris
Family: Neosebastidae

The Longsnout gurnard perch (Neosebastes longirostris) is a saltwater fish of the family Neosebastidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
16.9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
170.0–250.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The Longsnout gurnard perch is a gurnard perch (Neosebastidae) from deeper rocky and reef water of the waters of Australia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a stocky, red-brown mottled body with a large, spiny, flapped head, strongly camouflaged against the bottom. As a motionless ambush predator it snaps at small fish and crustaceans. The dorsal, head and gill-cover spines are venomous and can give a very painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longsnout gurnard perch?

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

Where does the Longsnout gurnard perch live?

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

How big does the Longsnout gurnard perch get?

The Longsnout gurnard perch grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Longsnout gurnard perch dangerous to humans?

The Longsnout gurnard perch is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Longsnout gurnard perch sourced
Scientific name
Neosebastes longirostris
Family
Neosebastidae
Other names
Long-snout gurnard perch verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
170.0 verified
Max depth (m)
250.0 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
For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care 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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