Latchet, Pterygotrigla polyommata (Richardson, 1839)

Scientific name: Pterygotrigla polyommata
Alternative name/s:
Butterfly Gurnard, Flying Gurnard, Lachet Gurnard, Sharpbeak Gurnard, Spiny Gurnard,
Latchet Click to enlarge image
A Latchet caught on hook and line by S. Bradshaw, on a sandy bottom at a depth of 2m in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, April 2002. Image: C. Bradshaw
© C. Bradshaw

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Pterygotrigla
    Species
    polyommata
    Family
    Triglidae
    Order
    Scorpaeniformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 57cm in length.

Introduction

The Latchet can be recognised by the pair of long spines on the snout and long colourful pectoral fins.

Identification

The Latchet can be recognised by the pair of long spines on the snout, its tiny cycloid scales and its large colourful pectoral fins. This species is red above and silver below. Its dorsal and caudal fins are red, and the anal fin is white. The pectoral fins are blue to purplish with bands of yellow to green spots. There are two large white-margined black spots on the base of each pectoral fin.

Habitat

It usually occurs on sandy or muddy bottoms in depths of 35 m to 200 m.

Distribution

It is known from southern marine waters of Australia and New Zealand. In Australia the Latchet is recorded from temperate waters of the central coast of New South Wales, around the south of the country and north to about Perth, Western Australia.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
  2. 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.
  3. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  4. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  5. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.