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Deep-pitted poacher (Bothragonus swanii) — Agonidae

Deep-pitted poacher

Bothragonus swanii
Family: Agonidae

The Deep-pitted poacher (Bothragonus swanii) is a saltwater fish of the family Agonidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–18 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Canada, USA, Alaska

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Description

The deep-pitted poacher is a small poacher (Agonidae) from coastal waters of the northeast Pacific, off the west coast of North America. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a bony-plated, red-brown body with a conspicuous deep pit on top of the head. As a bottom-dweller it lives in tide pools and weed beds of rocky shores and snaps at small crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Deep-pitted poacher?

The Deep-pitted poacher has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Deep-pitted poacher live?

The Deep-pitted poacher lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Canada, USA, Alaska

How big does the Deep-pitted poacher get?

The Deep-pitted poacher grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Deep-pitted poacher dangerous to humans?

No, the Deep-pitted poacher 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.

More photos

Deep-pitted poacher (Bothragonus swanii) — Agonidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) André Giraldi, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Deep-pitted poacher (Bothragonus swanii) — Agonidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Colette C, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Deep-pitted poacher (Bothragonus swanii) — Agonidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Aiva Noringseth, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Deep-pitted poacher (Bothragonus swanii) — Agonidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Rhinopias (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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All data

Identification

English name
Deep-pitted poacher sourced
Scientific name
Bothragonus swanii
Family
Agonidae
Other names
Deep-pitted poacher; Deep-pitted sea-poacher; Rockhead verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.9 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
18 verified
Natural range
North America: Canada, USA, Alaska sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

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 Bothragonus

More from the family Agonidae

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