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Goblinfish (Glyptauchen panduratus) — Tetrarogidae

Goblinfish

Glyptauchen panduratus
Family: Tetrarogidae

The Goblinfish (Glyptauchen panduratus) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetrarogidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
5.0–60.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

Description

The goblinfish is a bottom-bound scorpionfish relative (Aploactinidae) from temperate coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a stocky body with a high, humped forebody, a rough, velvety skin and a dorsal fin set far forward over the head. The fin spines are linked to venom and a sting is painful. As a slow bottom-dweller it lies among weed and on reef bottoms and snaps small crustaceans and small fish. Handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Goblinfish?

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

Where does the Goblinfish live?

The Goblinfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Goblinfish get?

The Goblinfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Goblinfish dangerous to humans?

The Goblinfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gebochelde duivelsvis sourced
English name
Goblinfish sourced
Scientific name
Glyptauchen panduratus
Family
Tetrarogidae
Other names
Goblinfish; Saddle head; Saddlehead; Saddle-headed goblin fish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
5.0 verified
Max depth (m)
60.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Tetrarogidae

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