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Plume waspfish (Neocentropogon aeglefinus) — Tetrarogidae

Plume waspfish

Neocentropogon aeglefinus
Family: Tetrarogidae

The Plume waspfish (Neocentropogon aeglefinus) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetrarogidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
9.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
115.0–172.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Asia: Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines

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Description

The plume waspfish is a waspfish (Tetrarogidae) from deeper sand and reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a stocky, red-brown mottled body with a plume-like dorsal fin starting high on the head and skin flaps, strongly camouflaged on the bottom. As a motionless ambush predator it snaps at small crustaceans and small fish. The dorsal spines are venomous and can give a painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Plume waspfish?

The Plume waspfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Plume waspfish live?

The Plume waspfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines

How big does the Plume waspfish get?

The Plume waspfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Plume waspfish dangerous to humans?

The Plume waspfish 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
Plume waspfish sourced
Scientific name
Neocentropogon aeglefinus
Family
Tetrarogidae
Other names
Onespot waspfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.5 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
Natural range
Asia: Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, 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
Special features
Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care. 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
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

More from the family Tetrarogidae

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