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Diadromous Least Concern ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Venomous 🌡️ Tropical

Leaf goblinfish

Neovespicula depressifrons Richardson, 1848
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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

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

🌍 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

⚠️ 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

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