Dactyloptena macracantha (Bleeker, 1855) Spotwing flying gurnard |
![]() |
photo by
Randall, J.E. |
Family: | Dactylopteridae (Flying gurnards) | |||
Max. size: | 30 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
Environment: | demersal; marine; depth range 45 - 177 m | |||
Distribution: | Indo-West Pacific: southern India and Sri Lanka to the Philippines, south to northern Australia and Papua New Guinea (Ref. 6192). | |||
Diagnosis: | Differ in color from the more common D. orientalis by the lack of blue lines in the pectoral fins and has a centrally placed dark blotch on the fin instead. Also the body lacks black spots (Ref. 48635). | |||
Biology: | Found in the continental shelf (Ref. 7300, 75154). Rarely observed due to mud-preferred habitats (Ref. 48635). Benthic (Ref. 75154). Not fished commercially but taken incidentally throughout its range. Usually caught near shore. Marketed fresh occasionally (Ref. 3392). | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 20 June 2017 Ref. (130435) | |||
Threat to humans: | harmless |