Pterygotrigla hoplites (Fowler, 1938)
Swordspine gurnard
photo by MNHN

Family:  Triglidae (Searobins), subfamily: Pterygotriglinae
Max. size:  10.8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 265 - 512 m
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean to West Pacific: Philippines, Arafura Sea southward to Rowley Shoals, Western Australian Shelf.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal soft rays: 11-12; Vertebrae: 27-27. This species is distinguished by the following characters: absence of antrorse AIO spine; AIO long and slender (30% HL); pectoral fin long extending well beyond anal fin origin (53-54% SL); eye small (11-15% SL); pterygiophores exposed along base of D1 as large plates (excluding one in advance of first D1 spine) and D2 rays have small spines at ray bases that are directed anteriorly (Ref. 95016).
Biology:  Inhabits continental shelves and insular areas. Rare (Ref. 9771). Benthic (Ref. 75154).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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