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Fivekeel stinger (Minous quincarinatus) — Synanceiidae

Fivekeel stinger

Minous quincarinatus
Family: Synanceiidae

The Fivekeel stinger (Minous quincarinatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Synanceiidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
115.0–172.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

Description

The Fivekeel stinger is a stinging fish (Synanceiidae) from shallow coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a stocky, strongly camouflaged body with skin flaps 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 are venomous and can give a very painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fivekeel stinger?

The Fivekeel stinger has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Fivekeel stinger live?

The Fivekeel stinger lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Fivekeel stinger get?

The Fivekeel stinger grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Fivekeel stinger dangerous to humans?

The Fivekeel stinger is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Vijfkiel-stekelvis sourced
English name
Fivekeel stinger sourced
Scientific name
Minous quincarinatus
Family
Synanceiidae
Other names
Stonefish; Whitetail goblinfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-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)
115.0 verified
Max depth (m)
172.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Minous

More from the family Synanceiidae

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