Foetorepus calauropomus (Richardson, 1844)
Common stinkfish
Foetorepus calauropomus
photo by FAO

Family:  Callionymidae (Dragonets)
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 100 m
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: southern Australia, from Western Australia to New South Wales and Tasmania.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Anal soft rays: 7. Dorsal sides of head and body light brown, ventral side white. Males with many small black blotches on head, body, and fins; females without black blotches. Caudal fin elongate, in males with 4 to 6 medial filaments; in females convex, without filaments. Preopercular spine with a dorsal point additionally to main tip, but without an antrorse spine at its base. First dorsal fin not much higher than second dorsal fin. Caudal fin in males with 5 or 6 median filaments (Ref 42832).
Biology:  The name 'stinkfish' refers to the acid smell of the slime covering the body; the slime tastes bitter and may be toxic; only some birds of prey take this species (Ref. 557).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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