ANIMAL SPECIES:Longsnout Stingerfish, Inimicus didactylus (Pallas, 1769)
The Longsnout Stingerfish has poisonous dorsal fin spines that can inflict an excruciatingly painful sting.
Alternative Name/s
Longsnout Stinger, Bearded Ghoulfish, Demon StingerIdentification
Three species of Inimicus occur in Australian waters. These are the Longsnout Stingerfish, Demon Stingerfish and the Spotted Stonefish. They can be separated by a combination of characters that include the colouration of the inner surface of the pectoral fin of live fish.
The inner surface of the pectoral fin of the Longsnout Stinger has a dark base and a dark margin. The Demon Stingerfish has two dark bands and a pale margin on the inner surface of the pectoral fin. The Spotted Stonefish's inner pectoral surface is dark with white blotches.
Size range
18 cmDistribution
In Australia the species is known from marine waters of north-western Western Australia to the Northern Territory.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Longsnout Stingerfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The species normally occurs on muddy or sandy seabeds in coastal waters.
Living with us
Danger to humans and first aid
Wounds from the dorsal spines of the Longsnout Stingerfish (indeed all species of Inimicus) are extremely painful.
Classification
- Species:
- didactylus
- Genus:
- Inimicus
- Family:
- Synanceiidae
- Order:
- Scorpaeniformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Randall, J.E. 2005. Reef and Shore Fishes of the South Pacific. University of Hawai'i Press. Pp. 707.
- Michael, S.W. 1998. Reef Fishes. Vol. 1. Microcosm. Pp.624.
Would you like to add a comment?
Sign up to add comments and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
Would you like to add a tag?
Sign up to add tags and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
Longsnout Stingerfish View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Longsnout Stingerfish off Manado View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Support us
Your support will have a real impact.
Online Shop
Great gifts.
Australian Museum Members
Join today.
Australian Museum Business Services
Professional consulting.
Museum as a Venue
Unique spaces.
Media Resources
Contact Publicity.