Gulf gurnard perch – Neosebastes bougainvillii

Neosebastes bougainvillii, commonly known as the bougainville scorpionfish, is a species of marine fish belonging to the family Neosebastidae. These fish are characterized by their distinctive scorpionfish features, including a venomous spine located on the dorsal fin. Neosebastes bougainvillii is found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region.

Description & Characteristics

Neosebastes bougainvillii, like other scorpionfish, exhibits a somewhat flattened body shape, with a prominent head and a large mouth. They are characterized by their rough, bumpy skin covered in numerous spines, contributing to their defensive nature. Their coloration varies, often exhibiting a blend of brown, reddish, and yellowish hues, allowing them to blend effectively with the rocky reefs and crevices they inhabit. The maximum recorded size of Neosebastes bougainvillii is 40.0 cm.

Habitat and Occurrence

Neosebastes bougainvillii typically inhabits rocky reefs and coral reefs, often residing in crevices and caves, providing them with excellent camouflage. They are found at depths ranging from 10.0 to 100.0 meters, making them common residents of the epipelagic and mesopelagic zones, the upper layers of the ocean where sunlight penetrates. Their distribution spans the Indo-Pacific region, where they thrive in a variety of marine ecosystems.

Taxonomy

The species Neosebastes bougainvillii belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Neosebastidae. Teleostei encompasses a vast group of ray-finned fishes, known for their advanced skeletal structure. Perciformes, one of the largest orders of fish, includes a wide range of species, including perches, basses, and wrasses. Neosebastidae, the scorpionfish family, is characterized by the presence of venomous spines located on the dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins, serving as a formidable defense mechanism.

Feeding

Neosebastes bougainvillii is a carnivore, primarily feeding on smaller fish and crustaceans. Their ambush predator strategy involves patiently waiting for prey to approach before striking with lightning speed, using their venomous spines as a defense mechanism.