ANIMAL SPECIES:Flying Gurnard, Dactyloptena orientalis (Cuvier, 1829)
The Flying Gurnard is easily recognised by its huge pectoral fins. These fins are covered with dark spots and wavy lines. They have feeler-like leading rays and extensions from each fin ray. The pectoral fins are usually held against the sides of the body. When the fish is disturbed, it quickly expands its pectoral fins, often retracting them before swimming off at speed. Despite its common name, the Flying Gurnard does not fly. It can however "walk" on the bottom by alternatively moving the pelvic fins and short pectoral fin rays.
Identification
The Flying Gurnard is easily recognised by its huge pectoral fins. These fins are covered with dark spots and wavy lines. They have feeler-like leading rays and extensions from each fin ray.
The pectoral fins are usually held against the sides of the body. When the fish is disturbed, it quickly expands its pectoral fins, often retracting them before swimming off at speed. Despite its common name, the Flying Gurnard does not fly. It can however "walk" on the bottom by alternatively moving the pelvic fins and short pectoral fin rays.
It has a blunt head and a grey to brown body that is covered with dark brown to black spots.
Size range
The species grows to 38 cm in length.Distribution
The Flying Gurnard occurs from East Africa to Polynesia.
In Australia it is recorded around the northern half of the country from the central coast of Western Australia to southern New South Wales.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Flying Gurnard specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The Flying Gurnard lives in a range of habitats including estuaries, coastal bays and deep sandy areas. It is often seen in water less than 10 m in depth, but is also caught in trawls down to 100 m.
Classification
- Species:
- orientalis
- Genus:
- Dactyloptena
- Family:
- Dactylopteridae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Paxton, J.R., D.F. Hoese, G.R. Allen & J.E. Hanley. 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia Vol.7 Pisces Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra: Australian Biological Resources Survey. Pp. i-xii, 1-665.
- Poss, S.G. & W.N. Eschmeyer. in Carpenter, K.E & V.H. Niem. 1999. The Living Marine Resources of the Wstern Central Pacific. Volume 4. Bony fishes part 2 (Mugilidae to Carangidae). FAO. Rome Pp. iii-v, 2069-2790.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
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A juvenile Flying Gurnard at Watsons Bay View full size
Ákos Lumnitzer
© Ákos Lumnitzer
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