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Latchet
Pterygotrigla polyommata (Richardson, 1839)
Above and below: A Latchet caught on hook and line by S. Bradshaw, on a sandy bottom at a depth of 2m in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, April 2002.
The Latchet can be recognised by the pair of long spines on the snout, its tiny cycloid scales (information on cycloid scales) and its large colourful pectoral fins.
This species is red above and silver below. Its dorsal and caudal fins are red, and the anal fin is white. The pectoral fins are blue to purplish with bands of yellow to green spots. There are two large white-margined black spots on the base of each pectoral fin (hidden in images).
The Latchet grows to 57cm in length.
It is known from southern marine waters of Australia and New Zealand. It usually occurs on sandy or muddy bottoms in depths of 35m to 200m.
In Australia the Latchet is recorded from temperate waters of the central coast of New South Wales, around the south of the country and north to about Perth, Western Australia.
View a map of the collecting localities of specimens in the Australian Museum Fish Collection.
The Latchet is also known as the Sharp-beaked Gurnard.
Further reading
- Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
- Gomon, M.F. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
