Common name: Spotwing helmet gurnard

General information

The Helicopter Gurnard, scientifically known as Dactyloptena macracantha, is a fascinating fish species known for its distinctive pectoral fins which, when spread, resemble the wings of a bird or helicopter. This unique feature is not just for show; it serves as a defense mechanism to startle predators and to trap prey. They are benthic creatures, meaning they spend most of their time on the sea floor, scavenging for food.

Care

Caring for Helicopter Gurnards in a home aquarium requires a spacious tank with a sandy or fine gravel substrate to mimic their natural habitat. They are demersal fish that prefer to stay at the bottom, so providing ample bottom space is crucial. These fish are not aggressive towards other tank mates but can be territorial. They are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and small fish.

Reproduction

In the wild, Helicopter Gurnards are oviparous, with females releasing eggs into the water column to be fertilized externally by males. However, breeding them in captivity is quite challenging and not commonly done in home aquariums.

Habitat

Helicopter Gurnards are found in tropical and subtropical waters across the Indo-Pacific region. They inhabit sandy and muddy bottoms near coral reefs, often at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 100 meters. Their range extends from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to southern Japan, and south to Australia.