Flying Gurnard

Dactylopterus volitans is a bottom-dwelling fish of tropical to warm temperate waters on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. On the American side, it is found as far north as Massachusetts (exceptionally as far as Canada) and as far south as Argentina, including the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. On the European and African side, it ranges from the English Channel to Angola, including the Mediterranean. Similar and related species from the genus Dactyloptena are found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Description

When excited, the fish spreads its "wings", which are semi-transparent, with a phosphorescent bright blue coloration at their tips. These are designed to scare away predators, but they don't enable the fish to glide in the air as do the fins of flying fish. The fish also has large eyes. It reaches up to 50 cm (20 in) in length and 1.8 kg (4.0 lb) in weight. Pectoral fins are very large and fan-like, with front 6 rays separated as small lobe.

Habitat

Found on sand, mud or over rocks in sandy areas, exploring the bottom with the free part of the pectoral fins. Feeds primarily on benthic crustaceans, especially crabs, clams and small fishes. Neither anterolateral glandural groove nor venom gland is present.