Common Names
Members of the Prionotus genus are commonly referred to as sea robins or gurnards. Other common names include:
- Red sea robin
- Spotted sea robin
- Striped sea robin
- Sea raven
Characteristics
Prionotus species exhibit several distinctive features:
- Head: Large, flattened, with bony projections, resembling a robin's head.
- Spines: Prominent spines on the head, especially around the eyes and mouth.
- Fins: Two dorsal fins, the first with spines and the second with soft rays. Pectoral fins are large and fan-shaped, used for walking along the seabed.
- Coloration: Varies depending on the species, ranging from reddish-brown to grey with spots or stripes.
- Size: Typically 15-30 cm in length.
Environments
Prionotus fish are bottom dwellers, preferring sandy or muddy substrates in shallow coastal waters. They are commonly found in estuaries, bays, and inshore waters. Their depth range varies by species, with some inhabiting depths up to 200 meters.
References
For further information about Prionotus, refer to the following resources:
