Australian Biological Resources Study

Australian Faunal Directory

<I>Kurtus</I>

Kurtus

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CAAB: 37436000

Family KURTIDAE

Nurseryfishes


Compiler and date details

4 May 2013 - Gerald R. Allen, Douglass F. Hoese, Norbert J. Cross & Connie J. Allen

2006 - Gerald R. Allen, Norbert J. Cross & Connie J. Allen

Introduction

The Kurtidae comprise two species belonging to the single genus Kurtus; one species occurs in northern Australia. Allen (1989) and Allen et al. (2002) provided a diagnosis and colour illustration of the Australian representative, Kurtus gulliveri, and de Beaufort & Chapman (1951) reviewed the family. The Australian species is treated in detail by Berra (2003).

Nurseryfishes are restricted to the waters of southern Asia and the Indo-Australian Archipelago where they are found in fresh water and estuarine habitats, frequently in large turbid rivers. Males are equipped with a bony, hook-like process on the forehead, which is directed forward and downward and functions to carry eggs. The female lays a cluster of eggs, which are attached to a twisted cord and looped through the male's forehead ring. Berra & Neira (2003) described the early life history and Berra & Humphrey (2002) treated anatomy. Maximum size reached is about 60 cm.

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
07-May-2013 07-May-2013 MODIFIED
12-Feb-2010 (import)