Bullrout facts for kids

The bullrout (Notesthes robusta) is a type of fish found in eastern Australia. People sometimes call it the freshwater stonefish or kroki. It usually lives in rivers where the tide comes in (called estuaries) and in slow-moving streams. You might find it from southern New South Wales all the way up to northern Queensland, Australia. This fish is special because it's the only one in its group, called Notesthes. Be careful though, its spines are venomous!

What Does a Bullrout Look Like?

A bullrout has a big head. It also has seven spines on its gill cover. Its mouth is large, with the lower jaw sticking out a bit. The fin on its back (called the dorsal fin) has spines. The last part of this fin is connected by a thin skin to its tail area.

The bullrout's body is covered with small scales. However, its head does not have any scales. Its color can change a lot. It might be pale yellowish or dark brown. It often has blotches and swirly patterns. These marks can be dark brown, red-brown, grey, or black. Sometimes, these patterns form wide, uneven stripes.

Bullrouts can grow up to 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) long. But most of the time, they are found around 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) in size.

Staying Safe Around Bullrouts

The bullrout has venomous spines. These spines are found on its back fin, bottom fin, and side fins. You should always handle this fish with extreme care.

If you accidentally get stung by a bullrout spine, it will be very painful. For quick relief from the pain, you should put the affected area into hot water right away.