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Capricorn gurnard perch (Neosebastes capricornis) — Neosebastidae

Capricorn gurnard perch

Neosebastes capricornis
Family: Neosebastidae

The Capricorn gurnard perch (Neosebastes capricornis) is a saltwater fish of the family Neosebastidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–330.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

Description

The Capricorn gurnard perch is a gurnard perch (Neosebastidae) from deeper rocky and reef water of the southern 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 Capricorn gurnard perch?

The Capricorn gurnard perch has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Capricorn gurnard perch live?

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

How big does the Capricorn gurnard perch get?

The Capricorn gurnard perch grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Capricorn gurnard perch dangerous to humans?

The Capricorn gurnard perch is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Steenbok-schorpioenbaars sourced
English name
Capricorn gurnard perch sourced
Scientific name
Neosebastes capricornis
Family
Neosebastidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
20 inferred
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
Max depth (m)
330.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

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 Neosebastes

More from the family Neosebastidae

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