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Welch's armoured gurnard (Satyrichthys welchi) — Peristediidae

Welch's armoured gurnard

Satyrichthys welchi
Family: Peristediidae

The Welch's armoured gurnard (Satyrichthys welchi) is a saltwater fish of the family Peristediidae that grows up to 50 cm.

Length
50 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
80.0–228.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Philippines

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Description

Welch's armoured gurnard is an armoured searobin (Peristediidae) of the continental slope in the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an elongate, reddish body armoured with rows of bony plates, a flat head with two projecting snout extensions and fringe-like barbels under the chin. As a bottom-dweller of the deep water it feels over sand and mud with the barbels for small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Welch's armoured gurnard?

The Welch's armoured gurnard has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Welch's armoured gurnard live?

The Welch's armoured gurnard lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Philippines

How big does the Welch's armoured gurnard get?

The Welch's armoured gurnard grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.

Is the Welch's armoured gurnard dangerous to humans?

No, the Welch's armoured 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
Welch's armoured gurnard sourced
Scientific name
Satyrichthys welchi
Family
Peristediidae
Other names
Armoured sea robin; Crocodilefish; Ling's armour gurnard; Robust armour gurnard; Robust armoured-gurnard; Armoured gurnard; Sea robin verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
50.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
80.0 verified
Max depth (m)
228.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, 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 Satyrichthys

More from the family Peristediidae

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