Flying Gurnard
Dactylopterus volitans
Flying gurnard is a bottom-dwelling marine fish with huge winglike pectoral fins it spreads to startle predators. It is not a true gurnard and is a poor-table, seldom-targeted species; anglers usually catch it incidentally.
Identification points
- Very large winglike pectoral fins with vivid blue and black patterning on the outer membranes
- Body brownish to reddish with scattered spots and armored-looking head
- Free fingerlike lower pectoral rays used to 'walk' along the bottom
Habitat
Shallow coastal and shelf sands, mud, and seagrass beds over soft bottoms, usually from nearshore waters to about 100 m; often rests on the seafloor and may bury itself partially.
Bait notes
Takes small live or cut shrimp, squid strips, and bits of fish fished near bottom; small bucktails and soft plastics bounced close to the seabed can also hook it incidentally.
Behavior
A nocturnal benthic feeder that stirs up sand to hunt crustaceans, worms, and small fish. When disturbed it flares its pectoral fins and can glide briefly, but it is mostly a bottom ambush forager.
Caution
The large pectoral fins can look intimidating but are not dangerous; however, dorsal spines and fin rays can poke skin, so handle carefully. Local rules may limit retention where uncommon.
Fishing notes
Fish light bottom rigs over sand or mud, keeping bait just off the bottom and moving slowly. It is generally a bycatch species rather than a targeted game fish, so handle and release gently if not keeping.