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Mead's spikefish (Hollardia meadi) — Triacanthodidae

Mead's spikefish

Hollardia meadi

The Mead's spikefish (Hollardia meadi) is a saltwater fish of the family Triacanthodidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
54.0–450.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, USA

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Description

Mead's spikefish is a spikefish (Triacanthodidae) of the continental slope in the western Atlantic. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a stocky, reddish, rough-skinned body with large eyes, a small, tubular snout and a stout, lockable dorsal spine. As a bottom-oriented fish of deeper water it picks small invertebrates from sand and mud. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Mead's spikefish?

The Mead's spikefish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Mead's spikefish live?

The Mead's spikefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, USA

How big does the Mead's spikefish get?

The Mead's spikefish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Mead's spikefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Mead's spikefish 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
Mead's spikefish sourced
Scientific name
Hollardia meadi
Family
Triacanthodidae
Other names
Spotted spikefish verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
54.0 verified
Max depth (m)
450.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, USA 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

More from the family Triacanthodidae

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