Blackspot waspfish
📖 Overview
Blackspot waspfish (Liocranium praepositum) is a ray-finned fish of the family Tetrarogidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 13 cm. It occurs at depths between 12 and 65 metres. With a trophic level of 3.2, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food, venomous.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
This species of waspfish has the following characters: gill rakers 12-15 (mode 13); posterior tip of depressed pelvic-fin spine usually not reaching anus; relatively long upper-jaw, its length 16.5-20.1% of SL, mean 18.6%; relatively deep maxilla, its depth 5.8-7.6% of SL, mean 6.4%; longest anal-fin soft ray is relatively short, 21.5-25.9% of SL, mean 24.6%; a large first blotch, narrow and vertically oriented (mean width 12.9% of SL, mean height 24.6% of SL), lateral line running through middle of blotch; relatively large second blotch (mean width 9.6% of SL, mean height 7.9% of SL), located at base of first dorsal-fin soft ray and upper part of blotch extending onto fin membrane; usually with a third blotch on lateral line below soft-rayed portion of dorsal fin; sometimes the second and third blotches are merged together .
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blackspot waspfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 12 - 65 m . Tropical; 18°S - 28°S
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Blackspot waspfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Blackspot waspfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Blackspot waspfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Blackspot Waspfish |
| 🌍CES | ropušnička černoskvrnná |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abcichthys praepositus | Ogilby | 1903 | Synonym |
| Cottapistus praepositus | Ogilby | 1903 | Synonym |
| Liocranium praepositum praepositum | Ogilby | 1903 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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