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Splitnose Searobin
Vaca Doble Hocico
(Bellator xenisma)
Splitnose Searobin, Bellator xenisma: The Splitnose Searobin has an overall mottled reddish-brown appearance with a white underside. It is characterized by having a long first dorsal spine, large black pectoral fins, and a prominent ocellus spot between the fourth and fifth dorsal spines, as pictured below.
The Splitnose Searobin has elongated snout plates that form a “scalloped” shovel shape extension on each side of the snout tip for which it is named.
The mouth is small and the jaw does not reach the level of the eyes. The caudal fin is black with a central white bar.
The Splitnose Searobin reaches a maximum length of 5 inches and is found in the first 600 feet of the water column over sandy muddy bottoms. It is more active at night, “walking” the bottom on it long pectoral fins seeking food. During the day it is submerged in sand.
The Splitnose Searobin might be confused with the Chevron Searobin, Bellator loxias (yellow and orange bars on flank) or the Naked Belly Searobin, Bellator gymnostethus (short first dorsal spine).
Distribution in Mexico fishing areas
In Mexican fishing waters the Splitnose Searobin is found throughout the Sea of Cortez and along the coast of mainland Mexico south to Guatemala. Due to its size and rarity the Splitnose Searobin is of limited interest to most.
The Splitnose Searobin is a member of the Triglidae Family which are known in Mexic fishing areas o as vacas and rubios. Globally there are 109 members of the family and 8 species of the Bellator Genus of which three are found in Mexican waters. The Searobins, relatives of the Scorpionfish, are characterized by a square broad head that is armed with spines.
They have two separate dorsal fins and two or three enlarged free rays on the lower pectoral fins. These rays appear to be wings that allow the Searobins to glide through the water and “walk” the bottom in quest of food. They feed on mollusks and small crustaceans. Searobins are able to produce sound.
Splitnose Searobin, Bellator xenisma. Size 5 inches. Photos courtesy of John Snow.
Splitnose Searobin, Bellator xenisma: Provided during fishing by panguero bait salesmen at La Playita, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, January 2008. Size, approximately 1 inch. Fish identification courtesy of H.J. Walker, Jr., Scripps Institute of Oceanography, La Jolla, Calif. Description and photo courtesy of John Snow.
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