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Spotted gurnard (Lepidotrigla punctipectoralis) — Triglidae

Spotted gurnard

Lepidotrigla punctipectoralis
Family: Triglidae

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

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–295.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines

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Description

The Spotted gurnard is a searobin (Triglidae) from sand and mud bottoms of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate body with an armoured head, large, fan-shaped pectoral fins and separate, finger-like lower rays with which it 'walks' over the bottom and feels for prey. Thus it searches for small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spotted gurnard?

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

Where does the Spotted gurnard live?

The Spotted gurnard lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines

How big does the Spotted gurnard get?

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

Is the Spotted gurnard dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotted 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Spotted gurnard sourced
Scientific name
Lepidotrigla punctipectoralis
Family
Triglidae
Other names
Finspot gurnard sourced

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)
295.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, 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

Same genus Lepidotrigla

More from the family Triglidae

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