Lepidotrigla brachyoptera, also known as the Short-winged Gurnard, is a species of marine fish belonging to the family Triglidae. This fish is found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, inhabiting a variety of marine ecosystems.
Description & Characteristics
Lepidotrigla brachyoptera is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 14.0 cm. It is characterized by its slender body and a prominent head with a large mouth. The dorsal fin is composed of two parts, the first of which is spiny and the second is soft. The pectoral fins are broad and fan-shaped, with the lower rays modified into finger-like appendages. These appendages are used for searching for prey on the seabed. The body of Lepidotrigla brachyoptera is covered in small, bony scales.
Habitat and Occurrence
Lepidotrigla brachyoptera is a demersal fish, meaning it lives close to the bottom of the ocean. It typically inhabits depths ranging from 26.0 to 234.0 meters, favoring areas with soft sediment. This depth range places it within the bathyal zone, a region of the ocean characterized by limited sunlight and cooler temperatures. Lepidotrigla brachyoptera is commonly found in both the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
Lepidotrigla brachyoptera belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Triglidae. Teleostei, the most diverse group of bony fishes, are characterized by their advanced skeletal structures. Perciformes, the largest order of fishes, are known for their spiny fins and diverse body shapes. Triglidae, the gurnard family, is characterized by its unique pectoral fins with finger-like appendages.
Feeding
Lepidotrigla brachyoptera is a carnivorous fish, primarily feeding on crustaceans, worms, and small fish. It uses its finger-like appendages to search for prey in the seabed, feeling for vibrations and movements.