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Spotwing gurnard (Lepidotrigla spiloptera) — Triglidae

Spotwing gurnard

Lepidotrigla spiloptera
Family: Triglidae

The Spotwing gurnard (Lepidotrigla spiloptera) is a saltwater fish of the family Triglidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
54.0–300.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Australia, Cambodia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Israel and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Spotwing gurnard is a searobin (Triglidae) from coastal waters of coastal waters of Australia and New Zealand. The species grows to about 15 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 Spotwing gurnard?

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

Where does the Spotwing gurnard live?

The Spotwing gurnard lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Australia, Cambodia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Israel and others

How big does the Spotwing gurnard get?

The Spotwing gurnard grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Spotwing gurnard dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotwing 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.

Is the Spotwing gurnard edible?

Yes, the Spotwing gurnard is commonly eaten.

More photos

Spotwing gurnard (Lepidotrigla spiloptera) — Triglidae — 2
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Spotwing gurnard sourced
Scientific name
Lepidotrigla spiloptera
Family
Triglidae
Other names
Red-fringed gurnard; Spottedwing gurnard; Spotwing gurnard; Spot-wing gurnard; Gurnard verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.4 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
Min depth (m)
54.0 verified
Max depth (m)
300.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Australia, Cambodia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Israel and others 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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

Fin

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