Animal Species:Latchet, Pterygotrigla polyommata (Richardson, 1839)

The Latchet can be recognised by the pair of long spines on the snout, its tiny cycloid scales and its large colourful pectoral fins.

Alternative Name/s

Butterfly Gurnard, Flying Gurnard, Lachet Gurnard, Sharpbeak Gurnard, Spiny Gurnard,

Identification

The Latchet can be recognised by the pair of long spines on the snout, its tiny cycloid scales and its large colourful pectoral fins. This species is red above and silver below. Its dorsal and caudal fins are red, and the anal fin is white. The pectoral fins are blue to purplish with bands of yellow to green spots. There are two large white-margined black spots on the base of each pectoral fin.

Size range

The species grows to 57cm in length.

Distribution

It is known from southern marine waters of Australia and New Zealand. In Australia the Latchet is recorded from temperate waters of the central coast of New South Wales, around the south of the country and north to about Perth, Western Australia.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Latchet specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It usually occurs on sandy or muddy bottoms in depths of 35 m to 200 m.

Classification

Species:
polyommata
Genus:
Pterygotrigla
Family:
Triglidae
Order:
Scorpaeniformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
  2. Gomon, M.F. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
  3. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  4. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  5. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags Fishes, Ichthyology, Latchet, Pterygotrigla polyommata, Triglidae,