Fin's Fish Guide
The Tub gurnard (Chelidonichthys lucerna) is a saltwater fish of the family Triglidae that grows up to 83 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Norway to Cape Blanco, including the North Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.
Description
The tub gurnard is a bottom fish of the family Triglidae that can exceed 80 cm but usually stays around 30 cm. The body is reddish with large pectoral fins that are conspicuously edged in blue. The lower three pectoral rays are free and used like legs to walk over sand and mud bottoms and detect food. Using its swim bladder, the fish can produce grunting sounds. The species occurs in the eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean at depths of 20 to over 300 m, feeding on fish, crustaceans and molluscs. The tub gurnard is a valued food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tub gurnard?
The Tub gurnard has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Red bottom fish with large, blue-edged pectoral fins; the three lowest pectoral fin rays are separate and are used as 'legs' to feel the bottom.
Where does the Tub gurnard live?
The Tub gurnard lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Norway to Cape Blanco, including the North Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.
How big does the Tub gurnard get?
The Tub gurnard grows to a maximum of about 83 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Tub gurnard dangerous to humans?
No, the Tub gurnard is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Tub gurnard edible?
Yes, the Tub gurnard is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Tub gurnard and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chelidonichthys
More from the family Triglidae
Want the complete picture on the Tub gurnard?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tub gurnard is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone