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Spotted batfish (Ogcocephalus notatus) — Ogcocephalidae

Spotted batfish

Ogcocephalus notatus

The Spotted batfish (Ogcocephalus notatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ogcocephalidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
15.0–172.0 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad Tobago, Venezuela

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Description

The Spotted batfish is a batfish (Ogcocephalidae) from coastal waters of the western Atlantic, off South America. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a flattened body covered with bony tubercles, a projecting snout and arm-like pectoral fins on which it 'walks' over the soft bottom. With a small lure beneath the snout it attracts small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spotted batfish?

The Spotted batfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Spotted batfish live?

The Spotted batfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad Tobago, Venezuela

How big does the Spotted batfish get?

The Spotted batfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Spotted batfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotted batfish 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Spotted batfish sourced
Scientific name
Ogcocephalus notatus
Family
Ogcocephalidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.4 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
15.0 verified
Max depth (m)
172.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad Tobago, Venezuela sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal 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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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 Ogcocephalus

More from the family Ogcocephalidae

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