Lepidotrigla
Lepidotrigla is a genus of marine fish belonging to the family Triglidae, commonly known as gurnards or sea robins. These fish are characterized by their distinctive head shape and the presence of three long, finger-like rays on their pectoral fins, which they use to probe the seabed for food. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, typically inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms.
Common Names
Species within the genus Lepidotrigla are commonly known as:
- Sea robins
- Gurnards
- Red gurnards
Characteristics
Lepidotrigla species share a number of distinctive characteristics, including:
- An elongated, compressed body with a pointed head
- A large mouth with numerous small teeth
- Three long, finger-like rays on their pectoral fins
- Scales that are often embedded in the skin
- A dorsal fin with 11-13 spines and 10-13 soft rays
- An anal fin with 10-13 soft rays
- A forked tail fin
Environments
Lepidotrigla species are typically found in:
- Tropical and subtropical waters
- Sandy or muddy bottoms
- Depths ranging from 50 to 500 meters
Diet
Lepidotrigla species are carnivorous and primarily feed on:
- Crustaceans
- Mollusks
- Small fish
Reproduction
Lepidotrigla species are believed to be oviparous, meaning they reproduce by laying eggs. However, specific details about their breeding habits are not well-documented.
Species
The genus Lepidotrigla contains a number of recognized species, including:
- Lepidotrigla abyssalis
- Lepidotrigla argus
- Lepidotrigla brachyoptera
- Lepidotrigla cadenati
- Lepidotrigla clupea
- Lepidotrigla diehli
- Lepidotrigla guentheri
- Lepidotrigla japonica
- Lepidotrigla kishinouyei
- Lepidotrigla longipinnis
- Lepidotrigla microptera
- Lepidotrigla multispinosa
- Lepidotrigla papilio
- Lepidotrigla phalerata
- Lepidotrigla puncticeps
- Lepidotrigla rubripennis
- Lepidotrigla serena
- Lepidotrigla spinosissima
- Lepidotrigla uraspis
References