New 🐟 Mercury Safety Guide & Omega-3 Rankings Updated for 2026. View Omega-3 Rankings →

Diadromous Least Concern ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Venomous 🌡️ Tropical

Leaf goblinfish

Neovespicula depressifrons Richardson, 1848
Max Length
10 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.2
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
32.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Possesses venom glands at the base of some of the spines . Of no commercial interest but appear from time to time in the aquarium trade .

Scientific Name
Neovespicula depressifrons
Authority
Richardson, 1848
Habitat
Diadromous
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
10 cm
Latitude
11°S – 21°N
Trophic Level
3.2
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
32.00/100
Water Temp
22–28 °C
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Genus
Neovespicula
Neovespicula
Species
Leaf goblinfish
Neovespicula depressifrons

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 13 - 14; Anal spines: 3. Body notably compressed. Orbit 9 - 10% SL. Dorsal soft rays 6.5-7.5; anal 4.5 (usually) to 5.5 .

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Leaf goblinfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Leaf goblinfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Leaf goblinfish is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal. Tropical; 22°C - 28°C ; 21°N - 11°S, 94°E - 152°E West Pacific: Indonesia, New Guinea, and the Philippines.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 💧 Freshwater 🌿 Brackish ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3.2±0.3

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.0195 × L3.03 (TL)
Max TL
10cm
Dorsal Spines
14
Anal Spines
3

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
22–28°C
Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2024

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
32.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.2
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Latitude Range
21°N – 11°S
Described By
Richardson, 1848

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
0 Observations logged on Aquareap

No observations yet - be the first to log one!

View all observations for Leaf goblinfish ↗
Suggest an Edit

Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.

Link to a scientific paper, FishBase, or other authoritative source
Report an Issue

Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.