Goblinfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goblinfish |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
|
Not evaluated (IUCN 3.1)
|
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: |
Tetrarogidae
|
| Genus: |
Glyptauchen
Günther, 1860
|
| Species: |
G. panduratus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Glyptauchen panduratus (J. Richardson, 1850)
|
|
The Glyptauchen panduratus, also known as the goblinfish, is a special type of waspfish. It is found only in the reefs off the southern coast of Australia. This fish lives in waters that are usually between 5 and 60 meters (about 16 to 197 feet) deep. The goblinfish can grow up to 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) long. It is the only known species in its genus, making it quite unique!
Contents
What Does the Goblinfish Look Like?
The goblinfish has a long, flat body. Its head is quite special, looking rounded or squarish. There's a small dip, like a "neck," between its eyes and the fin on its back. You might notice a large, spiky spine on each side, just below its eyes. These spines are red around the eyes and are often the easiest part of the fish to spot.
Its fins are well-developed. The spiny part of its back fin is very long and quite tall. Its side fins (pectorals) are long and wide. The fish can spread them out like fans. The goblinfish has amazing camouflage! Its color can change quickly to match its surroundings. It can be white, grey, reddish-brown, or even black. You might see a dark band near its tail. Sometimes, it has whitish patches and small black spots on its body and fins.
Be careful though! The goblinfish has venomous spines on its back fin.
How Does the Goblinfish Behave?
The goblinfish usually stays near the bottom of the ocean. It is mostly active at night. During the day, it doesn't move around much. This is why divers don't see it very often. It likes to hide and blend in with its environment.
Where Does the Goblinfish Live?
This fish lives in sheltered and somewhat open coastal reef areas. You can find it in rocky spots and estuaries. It lives in waters from 3 to 60 meters (about 10 to 197 feet) deep. Its home range stretches from Rottnest Island in Western Australia all the way to Sydney, New South Wales. You can also find it around Tasmania.
Images for kids
-
A goblinfish blending in with the reef.
-
Close-up of a goblinfish.
-
A goblinfish resting on the ocean floor.
-
Another view of the goblinfish.
-
A goblinfish showing its unique head shape.
-
A goblinfish in its natural habitat.
