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Bigeye Gurnard Perch
Maxillicosta lopholepis Eschmeyer and Poss, 1976
- Family
- Neosebastidae
- Size
- 5 cm
- Distribution
- Endemic to central Western Australia
- Depth
- 40 m - 120 m
The holotype of M. lopholepis (WAM P.5736-001). Photo: K. Edwards © Western Australian Museum. View larger image.
Line drawing of a Bigeye Gurnard Perch scale. The scale is from above the lateral line, behind the head. Illustration based on that in Eschmeyer and Poss (1976: fig. 2c). Illustration © H. Motomura. View larger image.
The Bigeye Gurnard Perch is a very rare species that is only known from six specimens collected from off Shark Bay, Western Australia.
Nothing is known of its live colouration or habitat requirements.
The scales behind the head and above the lateral line have a strong spine on the posterior margin and no serrae on a median ridge (see bottom image). The Bigeye Gurnard Perch is the only species of Maxillicosta that has this scale structure.
Related links
- View the Family Neosebastidae list
- View the Scorpionfishes list
- View the Scorpionfishes of Australia list
Further reading
- Eschmeyer, W.N. and S.G. Poss. 1976. Review of the scorpionfish genus Maxillicosta (Pisces: Scorpaenidae), with a description of three new species from the Australian-New Zealand region. Bulletin of Marine Science. 26(4): 433-449.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2006
Page researched and compiled by
H. Motomura and M. McGrouther, August 2006.
