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Reticulate stingfish (Eschmeyer nexus) — Eschmeyeridae

Reticulate stingfish

Eschmeyer nexus
Family: Eschmeyeridae

The Reticulate stingfish (Eschmeyer nexus) is a saltwater fish of the family Eschmeyeridae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4.1 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
27.0–43.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Oceania: Fiji

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Description

Eschmeyer's scorpionfish is a small scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) from coastal waters of the western Pacific. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a stocky, red-brown mottled body with a large, spiny head and skin flaps, with which it camouflages among coral and stone. The dorsal spines are linked to venom and a sting is painful. As an ambush hunter it snaps small crustaceans and small fish. Handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Reticulate stingfish?

The Reticulate stingfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a marbled pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Reticulate stingfish live?

The Reticulate stingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Fiji

How big does the Reticulate stingfish get?

The Reticulate stingfish grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Reticulate stingfish dangerous to humans?

The Reticulate stingfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not touch or pick up; the fin spines carry venom. For a sting: immerse the wound in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C, not scalding) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom. For severe pain, swelling or breathing difficulty seek medical help and check tetanus status.

More photos

Reticulate stingfish (Eschmeyer nexus) — Eschmeyeridae — 2
Raredon, Sandra J. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Reticulate stingfish sourced
Scientific name
Eschmeyer nexus
Family
Eschmeyeridae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.1 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
27.0 verified
Max depth (m)
43.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Fiji sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care. inferred

For anglers

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

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified
First aid
Do not touch or pick up; the fin spines carry venom. For a sting: immerse the wound in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C, not scalding) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom. For severe pain, swelling or breathing difficulty seek medical help and check tetanus status. sourced

Status & sources

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

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