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Dwarf batfish (Ogcocephalus pumilus) — Ogcocephalidae

Dwarf batfish

Ogcocephalus pumilus

The Dwarf batfish (Ogcocephalus pumilus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ogcocephalidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.1 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
35–348 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Bahamas, Guyana, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad Tobago and others

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Description

The Dwarf batfish is a batfish (Ogcocephalidae) from coastal waters of the Caribbean Sea. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a flattened body covered with bony tubercles, a projecting snout and arm-like pectoral fins on which it 'walks' over the soft bottom. With a small lure beneath the snout it attracts small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf batfish?

The Dwarf batfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Dwarf batfish live?

The Dwarf batfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Bahamas, Guyana, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad Tobago and others

How big does the Dwarf batfish get?

The Dwarf batfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Dwarf batfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf batfish 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
Dwarf batfish sourced
Scientific name
Ogcocephalus pumilus
Family
Ogcocephalidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.1 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
35 verified
Max depth (m)
348 verified
Natural range
North America: Bahamas, Guyana, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad Tobago and others sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No
Activity
Nocturnal
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 Ogcocephalus

More from the family Ogcocephalidae

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