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Blackfin gurnard (Prionotus stephanophrys) — Triglidae

Blackfin gurnard

Prionotus stephanophrys
Family: Triglidae
LC · Least Concern

The Blackfin gurnard (Prionotus stephanophrys) is a brackish-water fish of the family Triglidae that grows up to 43 cm.

Length
43 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
15.0–110.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The lumptail searobin is a bottom fish of the searobin family (Triglidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 43 cm and has a large, bony head shield and large, fan-shaped pectoral fins. The lower pectoral rays are free, finger-like projections with which the fish 'walks' over sand and mud bottoms and probes for prey. It feeds on small bottom animals such as crustaceans and worms. The lumptail searobin is a valued food and bycatch fish. Unlike some other spiny fishes it has no venomous spines and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackfin gurnard?

The Blackfin gurnard has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Blackfin gurnard live?

The Blackfin gurnard lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Blackfin gurnard get?

The Blackfin gurnard grows to a maximum of about 43 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.

Is the Blackfin gurnard dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackfin gurnard is harmless to humans.

Is the Blackfin gurnard edible?

Yes, the Blackfin gurnard is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Lompstaart-poon sourced
English name
Blackfin gurnard verified
Scientific name
Prionotus stephanophrys
Family
Triglidae
Other names
Lumptail searobin verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
43.0 verified
Average length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
15.0 verified
Max depth (m)
110.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met worm- of garnaalaas op zand- en modderbodems. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Prionotus

More from the family Triglidae

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