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🌊 Marine ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Venomous 🌡️ Temperate

Little gurnard perch

Maxillicosta scabriceps Whitley, 1935
Max Length
12 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.4
Depth
-
Climate
Temperate
Resilience
-
Vulnerability
10.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Little gurnard perch (Maxillicosta scabriceps) is a ray-finned fish of the family Neosebastidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 12 cm. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. Venomous.

Scientific Name
Maxillicosta scabriceps
Authority
Whitley, 1935
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Temperate
Max Length
12 cm
Trophic Level
3.4
Vulnerability
10.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Little gurnard perch is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Little gurnard perch is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
Spawn Location
Pelagic
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal. Temperate; 25°S - 37°S endemic to Australia.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3.4±0.3

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01122 × L3.04 (TL)
Max TL
12cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Fishing Vulnerability
10.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.4
Predator
Climate Zone
Temperate
Described By
Whitley, 1935

⚠️ Venom Profile

Medical Warning: This species is venomous. Seek immediate medical attention if envenomated. Contact emergency services and follow first aid guidance below.
Venom Type
proteinaceous neurotoxin
Delivery
dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin spines
Potency
Severe
Mortality Risk
Low
Symptom Onset
5min
Duration
24.0hrs
Antivenom
✗ Not Available
Named Toxins
high-molecular-weight protein (Stonustoxin analogue) acetylcholine
Symptoms
  • immediate intense pain
  • swelling
  • erythema
  • occasional nausea and weakness
Affected Body Systems
peripheral nervous system cardiovascular
First Aid
Immerse affected area in hot water (45 C, tolerable) for 30-90 minutes to denature toxin. Do not apply ice.
Medical Treatment

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

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Neosebastes scabriceps Whitley 1935 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

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