ANIMAL SPECIES:Red Gurnard, Chelidonichthys kumu (Cuvier, 1829)
The Red Gurnard has brightly coloured pectoral fins that are used for display or startling potential predators.
Identification
The Red Gurnard has a bony head and a blunt snout that lacks spines. The body is covered with tiny cycloid scales. A row of enlarged scales forming thorn-like bucklers is present along the bases of both dorsal fins.
The species is red-brown to grey-brown above and pale below. The body has scattered red-brown blotches. The pectoral fins are greenish-grey with light blue spots. The margin is pale blue and there is a black blotch with white dots near the base.
Size range
The Red Gurnard grows to 50 cm in length.Distribution
The species is known from temperate marine waters of the Indo-West Pacific.
In Australia it occurs from southern Queensland, around the south of the country and north to the central coast of Western Australia.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Red Gurnard specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
It is known from shallow sandy beaches and estuaries (as juveniles) down to a depth of around 200 m.
It is most often encountered in trawler catches but is sometimes caught on hook and line.
Behaviour and adaptations
Other behaviours and adaptations
It is believed that the fish will flair its brightly coloured pectoral fins as a display or to startle potential predators.
Classification
- Species:
- kumu
- Genus:
- Chelidonichthys
- Family:
- Triglidae
- Order:
- Scorpaeniformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Gomon, M.F. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
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A Red Gurnard in tidal waters at the Minnamurra River View full size
Sascha Schulz
© Sascha Schulz
Red Gurnard from Botany Bay View full size
Steve Wozniak
© Steve Wozniak
A Red Gurnard caught east of Lurline Bay View full size
Ian Graham
© Ian Graham
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