ANIMAL SPECIES:Soldier, Gymnapistes marmoratus (Cuvier, 1829)
The Soldier occurs mainly in temperate estuarine waters living amongst the seagrass. It is responsible for many stings received by people wading out into shallow waters.
Alternative Names/s
CobblerIdentification
The Soldier has a mottled colouration of brown to dark brown blotches above grading to paler below. The blotches are less distinct in larger fish.
The 13 poisonous dorsal fin spines are each separated by incised membrane. There is a large retrorse (backward-pointing) spine on either side of the head below the eye.
Size range
The species grows to 22 cm in length.Similar Species
The Soldier resembles the Fortescue. The Soldier is scaleless but the Fortescue has scales.Distribution
It is endemic to Australia. It occurs mainly in temperate estuarine waters from central New South Wales, around the south of the country and north to Perth, Western Australia.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Soldier specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
Usually found inshore amongst seagrass.
Living with us
Danger to humans and first aid
The 13 poisonous dorsal fin spines are each separated by incised membrane. There is a large retrorse (backward-pointing) spine on either side of the head below the eye. Is responsible for many stings received by people wading out into shallow estuaries.
Classification
- Species:
- marmoratus
- Genus:
- Gymnapistes
- Family:
- Scorpaenidae
- Order:
- Scorpaeniformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
- Poss, SG 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 Soldier caught in a prawn net at Lake Curalo View full size
Ian Merrington
© Ian Merrington @ DPI Fisheries
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