Fin's Fish Guide
The Flying gurnard (Dactylopterus volitans) is a brackish-water fish of the family Dactylopteridae that grows up to 50 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from the English Channel to Angola, Mediterranean Sea, Madeira and the Azores; western Atlantic from Canada to Argentina.
Description
The flying gurnard is a striking bottom fish of the family Dactylopteridae reaching about 50 cm. It is named for its enormous, fan-like pectoral fins marked with blue spots, which can be spread like wings; the front rays form a separate lobe used to 'walk' over the seabed and detect food. Despite the name, it does not fly above water. The species lives on sand, mud and rocky bottoms of the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, usually shallower than 100 m, feeding mainly on benthic crustaceans, shellfish and small fishes. The flying gurnard is of little commercial value, taken only as occasional bycatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Flying gurnard?
The Flying gurnard has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Enormous, fan-shaped pectoral fins with blue blotches that are spread like wings; the front pectoral fin rays form a separate lobe to feel the bottom.
Where does the Flying gurnard live?
The Flying gurnard lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Atlantic from the English Channel to Angola, Mediterranean Sea, Madeira and the Azores; western Atlantic from Canada to Argentina.
How big does the Flying gurnard get?
The Flying gurnard grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 38 cm.
Is the Flying gurnard dangerous to humans?
No, the Flying gurnard is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Flying gurnard edible?
The Flying gurnard is rarely eaten.
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More from the family Dactylopteridae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Flying gurnard is one of 12,519 species in the app.