Pygmy poacher
📖 Overview
Pygmy poacher (Odontopyxis trispinosa), first described by Lockington, 1880 is a small fish in the family Agonidae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 9.50 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 9 to 373 metres. It occurs in Subtropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. The species is important as a food fish. As a member of the Agonidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 3 - 6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 5 - 7; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 5 - 7. Caudal fin small and rounded; anal fin slightly in advance of second dorsal; pectorals broad, lower 5 to 7 rays free of membrane at end; pelvic fins reduced . Gray to olive green on the dorsal surface, lighter ventrally; 6 or more dark saddle-like markings on back and sides; dusky cross bars on dorsal, caudal and pectoral fins; anal and pelvic fins pale .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pygmy poacher is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 9 - 373 m . Subtropical; 62°N - 32°N, 172°W - 117°W central Baja California, Mexico.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Pygmy poacher 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 Pygmy poacher is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Pygmy poacher 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)
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | pygmy poacher |
| 🇫🇷French | agone pygmée |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Трехколючковая карликовая лисичка |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | bandido enano |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Podothecus trispinosus | Lockington | 1880 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 14 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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