Tophat gurnard
📖 Overview
Tophat gurnard (Lepidotrigla macracaina) is a ray-finned fish of the family Triglidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 12.8 cm. It occurs at depths between 125 and 263 metres. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7 - 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16 - 17; Anal soft rays: 15 - 17; Vertebrae: 32 - 33. This species is distinguished by the following characters: lateral profile of body with straight taper to slender caudal peduncle; a distinctive postorbital notch above and behind each eye but not extending across top of head as occipital groove; rostral process with a broad medial notch edged with small spines becoming progressively longer to corner on each side when viewed from above; pored lateral line scales 62-67; scales above lateral line 3 and below about 13-16; D1 VIII (rarely VII), second significantly longer than first and third; D2 16-17; A 16-17 (rarely 15); pectoral fins reaching about third to fifth anal fin ray, the first free pectoral fin ray reaching well short of pectoral fin tip, but to or almost to tip of pelvic fin. Colouration: distal half of caudal fin red with dusky grey obscuring upper third; the inner surface of pectoral fin charcoal to dark green to distal margin with moderately large bright blue spots arranged in four or five transverse bands, fine reddish margin dorsally and ventrally .Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Tophat gurnard is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Tophat gurnard is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Tophat gurnard is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 125 - 263 m . Tropical Indian Ocean: southern Indonesia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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