FLYING GURNARD

any of a small group of marine fish comprising the family Dactylopteridae (or Cephalacanthidae) and the order Dactylopteriformes (sometimes placed in Scorpaeniformes). Flying gurnards are similar to the sea robins, or gurnards (family Triglidae, order Scorpaeniformes), and are sometimes considered as relatives of that group (see sea robin). Atlantic flying gurnard (Dactylopterus volitans) Found in warm and tropical seas, flying gurnards are elongated fish with very large pectoral fins, each of which is divided into a shorter forward portion and a much larger, winglike posterior section. These fins are quite colourful; those of the Atlantic Dactylopterus volitans (see photograph), for example, are brightly spotted with blue. Flying gurnards are further characterized by a covering of bony plates on their heads and by a single dorsal fin ray, separate from the rest of the fin and located on the nape of the neck. Flying gurnards grow to a maximum length of about 50 cm (20 inches). They are bottom dwellers but are reportedly able to glide above the water for short distances on their outspread pectoral fins.