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Rosy-lipped batfish (Ogcocephalus porrectus) — Ogcocephalidae

Rosy-lipped batfish

Ogcocephalus porrectus

The Rosy-lipped batfish (Ogcocephalus porrectus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ogcocephalidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
13.9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
88–146 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Peru, Cocos I. (C.R.)

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Description

The rosy-lipped batfish is a batfish (Ogcocephalidae) from coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, around the Galapagos and Cocos. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a flattened, stocky, rough body with arm-like pectoral and pelvic fins with which it 'walks' over the bottom, and a small, retractable lure under the snout to attract prey. As a sluggish bottom-dweller it snaps at small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rosy-lipped batfish?

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

Where does the Rosy-lipped batfish live?

The Rosy-lipped batfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Peru, Cocos I. (C.R.)

How big does the Rosy-lipped batfish get?

The Rosy-lipped batfish grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Rosy-lipped batfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Rosy-lipped 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.

More photos

Rosy-lipped batfish (Ogcocephalus porrectus) — Ogcocephalidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Billy Bensted-Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Rosy-lipped batfish (Ogcocephalus porrectus) — Ogcocephalidae — 3
Billy Bensted-Smith (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Rosy-lipped batfish (Ogcocephalus porrectus) — Ogcocephalidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Bjarne Amstrup, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Rosy-lipped batfish sourced
Scientific name
Ogcocephalus porrectus
Family
Ogcocephalidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.9 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)
88 verified
Max depth (m)
146 verified
Natural range
South America: Peru, Cocos I. (C.R.) 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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