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Oriental armoured searobin (Scalicus orientalis) — Peristediidae

Oriental armoured searobin

Scalicus orientalis
Family: Peristediidae

The Oriental armoured searobin (Scalicus orientalis) is a saltwater fish of the family Peristediidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–510.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, New Caledonia, Philippines

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Description

The oriental armoured searobin is an armoured searobin (Peristediidae) of the continental slope in the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, reddish body armoured with bony plates, a flat head with snout extensions and fringe-like barbels under the chin. As a bottom-dweller of the deep water it feels over sand and mud with the barbels for small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Oriental armoured searobin?

The Oriental armoured searobin has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Oriental armoured searobin live?

The Oriental armoured searobin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, New Caledonia, Philippines

How big does the Oriental armoured searobin get?

The Oriental armoured searobin grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Oriental armoured searobin dangerous to humans?

No, the Oriental armoured searobin 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.

More photos

Oriental armoured searobin (Scalicus orientalis) — Peristediidae — 2
Australian National Fish Collection, CSIRO (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF
Oriental armoured searobin (Scalicus orientalis) — Peristediidae — 3
Fowler, Henry W. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Oriental armoured searobin sourced
Scientific name
Scalicus orientalis
Family
Peristediidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.4 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
510.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, New Caledonia, Philippines 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
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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 Peristediidae

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