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Longsnout stinger (Inimicus cuvieri) — Synanceiidae

Longsnout stinger

Inimicus cuvieri
Family: Synanceiidae

The Longsnout stinger (Inimicus cuvieri) is a saltwater fish of the family Synanceiidae that grows up to 24 cm.

Length
24 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–50.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and others

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Description

The longsnout stinger is a stonefish-relative stinging fish (Synanceiidae) from shallow coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a stocky, skin-flapped and warty, strongly camouflaged body with an upturned snout and loose, finger-like lower pectoral rays with which it 'walks' over the bottom. As an ambush predator it lies half-buried on sand and mud bottoms. The dorsal spines inject a powerful venom; a sting is very painful and needs medical care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Longsnout stinger?

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

Where does the Longsnout stinger live?

The Longsnout stinger lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and others

How big does the Longsnout stinger get?

The Longsnout stinger grows to a maximum of about 24 cm.

Is the Longsnout stinger dangerous to humans?

The Longsnout stinger 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 stinger sourced
Scientific name
Inimicus cuvieri
Family
Synanceiidae
Other names
Longsnout stinger; Demon stinger verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
50.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and others 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
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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 Inimicus

More from the family Synanceiidae

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