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Spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla papilio) — Triglidae

Spiny gurnard

Lepidotrigla papilio
Family: Triglidae

The Spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla papilio) is a saltwater fish of the family Triglidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–60.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The Spiny gurnard is a searobin (Triglidae) from coastal waters of coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a rearward-tapering, reddish body with a bony-armoured head, large fan-shaped pectoral fins and free, finger-like lower pectoral rays with which it 'walks' over the bottom and feels for prey. On sand and mud bottoms it searches for small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spiny gurnard?

The Spiny gurnard has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Spiny gurnard live?

The Spiny gurnard lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Spiny gurnard get?

The Spiny gurnard grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Spiny gurnard dangerous to humans?

No, the Spiny gurnard 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

Spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla papilio) — Triglidae — 2
mochasquirrel (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla papilio) — Triglidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) John Sear, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla papilio) — Triglidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — (c) Christopher Mark, some rights reserved (CC BY) (CC BY 4.0)
Spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla papilio) — Triglidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Wayne Martin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Spiny gurnard sourced
Scientific name
Lepidotrigla papilio
Family
Triglidae
Other names
Butterfly gurnard; Eastern spiny gurnard; Southern spiny gurnard; Spiny gurnard; Australian spiny gurnard verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
60.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia 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

Same genus Lepidotrigla

More from the family Triglidae

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