Take Off with the Flying Gurnard
The flying gurnard, also known as the helmet gurnard or the Atlantic flying gurnard (Dactyloperus volitans) is a species of bottom-dwelling fish found along the tropical coasts of the Atlantic ocean, typically from Brazil to the northern United States on the western side, and from Angola to the English Channel on the eastern side. They are also commonly spotted throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Helmet gurnards prefer warm waters. They generally stay close to muddy or sandy ocean flats, although they may occasionally be seen among rocks or kelp forests.
Flying gurnards are named for their peculiar swimming motion; rather than propelling themselves with their tails, they have large wing-like pectoral fins to glide through the water when startled. When foraging, D. volitans also uses its folded up 'wings' to 'walk' along the ocean floor. They feed primarily on small fish, crustaceans and other small invertebrates found in the sand. Although they are covered in spines and thick, sheath-like scales, helmet gurnards are prey for a large variety of larger fish such as groupers, wrasse, and sharks, as well as sea birds; however, in addition to providing a quick getaway, their broad, colorful fins can make them appear bigger than they really are, startling potential predators.
On average, D. volitans reaches 50 cm (20 in) in length and 1.8 kg (4.0 lb). They are rather plain colored at first glance, usually brown or olive with light and dark spots that allow them to blend seamlessly into the ocean floor. Their most dazzling feature are their pectoral fins, which sport bright blue phosphorescent spots and a blue lining around the edge.
Flying gurnards have two spawning periods; one from May to August and another from November to February. During the spawning periods, both males and females release their respective reproductive materials (sperm and eggs) into the water, where they combine and fertilize. After hatching, the larvae will spend several months being carried by the currents before they settle down onto the ocean floor. Juveniles can reach maturity between 1-2 years old, and can live to be at least 4-5 years old in the wild, although their true lifespan has yet to be confirmed.
Conservation status: D. volitans is considered Least Concern by the IUCN. They are occasionally caught as by-catch in fishing nets.
Photos
Beck Mannjan
Thomas Menut
Stergios Vasillis
