Flying Gurnard

Flying Gurnard

These spectacular fish can’t fly, but rather are named for their large wing-like pectoral fins. They use these fins as a defensive mechanism: when they are disturbed they spread their pectoral fins making them look larger and swim away.

Flying Gurnards don’t usually swim; rather, they use their pelvic fins to walk/scuttle along the seafloor in search of food. They mostly feed on crustaceans, clams and small fishes. Some of the rays in the pectoral fins are used as feelers to look for food. These fish are quite well camouflaged for the seafloor, but when they spread their pectoral fins, they can be very brightly colored.