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Spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla papilio) — Triglidae

Spiny gurnard

Lepidotrigla papilio
Family: Triglidae

The Spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla papilio) is a saltwater fish of the family Triglidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–60.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Spiny gurnard is a searobin (Triglidae) from coastal waters of coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a rearward-tapering, reddish body with a bony-armoured head, large fan-shaped pectoral fins and free, finger-like lower pectoral rays with which it 'walks' over the bottom and feels for prey. On sand and mud bottoms it searches for small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spiny gurnard?

The Spiny gurnard has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Spiny gurnard live?

The Spiny gurnard lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Spiny gurnard get?

The Spiny gurnard grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Spiny gurnard dangerous to humans?

No, the Spiny gurnard is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Australische zeehaan sourced
English name
Spiny gurnard sourced
Scientific name
Lepidotrigla papilio
Family
Triglidae
Other names
Butterfly gurnard; Eastern spiny gurnard; Southern spiny gurnard; Spiny gurnard verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
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
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Lepidotrigla

More from the family Triglidae

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