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Painted stinger (Minous pictus) — Synanceiidae

Painted stinger

Minous pictus
Family: Synanceiidae

The Painted stinger (Minous pictus) is a saltwater fish of the family Synanceiidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
16.0–94.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

Description

The painted stinger is a small venomous scorpionfish relative (Synanceiidae) from coastal waters of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a stocky, reddish-mottled body, an upturned mouth and a free, finger-like lower pectoral ray with which it feels over the bottom. As a bottom-dweller it lies hidden on sand and mud bottoms. The dorsal-fin spines carry venom and can cause a painful sting; handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Painted stinger?

The Painted stinger has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Painted stinger live?

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

How big does the Painted stinger get?

The Painted stinger grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Painted stinger dangerous to humans?

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

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Beschilderde stekelpoon sourced
English name
Painted stinger sourced
Scientific name
Minous pictus
Family
Synanceiidae
Other names
Painted stinger; Painted stingfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.2 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
16.0 verified
Max depth (m)
94.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. 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

Same genus Minous

More from the family Synanceiidae

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