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Striped stingfish (Choridactylus striatus) — Synanceiidae

Striped stingfish

Choridactylus striatus
Family: Synanceiidae

The Striped stingfish (Choridactylus striatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Synanceiidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
15.9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
26.0–33.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Asia: Yemen

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Description

The striped stingfish is a stonefish relative (Synanceiidae) from shallow sand and mud water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky, brown to reddish body with free lower pectoral rays with which it 'walks' over the bottom and half-buries itself. As a motionless, camouflaged ambush predator it snaps at small crustaceans and small fish. The dorsal spines are strongly venomous and can give a very painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Striped stingfish?

The Striped stingfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Striped stingfish live?

The Striped stingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Yemen

How big does the Striped stingfish get?

The Striped stingfish grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Striped stingfish dangerous to humans?

The Striped stingfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Striped stingfish sourced
Scientific name
Choridactylus striatus
Family
Synanceiidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
15.9 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
26.0 verified
Max depth (m)
33.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Yemen 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
Special features
Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care. 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
Venomous / poisonous verified
First aid
For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Choridactylus

More from the family Synanceiidae

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