Prionotus

Prionotus is a genus of marine fish belonging to the family Triglidae, commonly known as sea robins. These fish are distinguished by their large, flattened heads with prominent, spiny projections, resembling the head of a robin. They are found in coastal waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, inhabiting sandy and muddy bottoms.

Striped searobin – Prionotus evolans

Bristly searobin – Prionotus horrens

Bighead searobin – Prionotus tribulus

Galapagos gurnard – Prionotus miles

Bluewing searobin – Prionotus punctatus

Bluespotted searobin – Prionotus roseus

Bandtail searobin – Prionotus ophryas

Northern searobin – Prionotus carolinus

Leopard searobin – Prionotus scitulus

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: