Animal Species:Spiny Gurnard, Lepidotrigla papilio (Cuvier, 1829)
The Spiny Gurnard has a an ocellus on the first dorsal fin and three detached and thickened lower pectoral fin rays. The species is endemic to Australia.
A Spiny Gurnard at Fly Point
Dave Harasti
© Dave Harasti
Identification
The Spiny Gurnard has a an ocellus on the first dorsal fin and three detached and thickened lower pectoral fin rays. Enlarged spiny scales run along the lateral line and along the bases of the two dorsal fins.
Size range
The species grows to 20 cm in length.
Distribution
The Spiny Gurnard is endemic to Australia. It occurs in southern temperate marine waters from central New South Wales to south-western Western Australia.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Spiny Gurnard specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
It lives mostly in sand and rubble areas in estuaries and coastal reefs.
Other behaviours and adaptations
When disturbed, the species often spreads its blue-margined pectoral fins. This behaviour is likely to startle potential predators.
Divers regularly see this species 'walking' along the bottom raised on the three detached lower rays of both pectoral fins. Click on the link in rling's comment (17 August 2010) below to watch a short video.
Classification
- Species:
- papilio
- Genus:
- Lepidotrigla
- Family:
- Triglidae
- Order:
- Scorpaeniformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- 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.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433. (as Lepidotrigla pleuracanthica).
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437. (as Lepidotrigla pleuracanthica).
Mark McGrouther
, Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:
Tags fish, ichthyology, spiny gurnard, Lepidotrigla papilio, sandy bottom, Triglidae,
3 comments
Great video, thank you for submitting it. As you say, it really shows the fish 'walking' on its three lower pectoral fin rays. I think the fish was very considerate splaying all its fins for you. I have made a notation under the Behaviours heading above pointing users to your video. Thanks again.
Nice one Richard!