Common name: Oriental flying gurnard

General information

The Flying Gurnard, or Dactyloptena orientalis, is a fascinating fish species known for its large, wing-like pectoral fins which it can spread wide open. Despite the name, these fish do not actually fly, but rather use their fins for gliding through the water and startling predators. They have a unique appearance with a bony head and armored plates on their body, exhibiting a mix of brown, green, and blue hues.

Care

Flying Gurnards are bottom-dwelling fish that require a spacious tank with a sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat. They are not common in the aquarium trade, but for those who keep them, it's essential to provide plenty of space for them to 'walk' along the substrate using their modified pelvic fins. They are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and small fish.

Reproduction

In the wild, Flying Gurnards have a unique courtship display where males spread their pectoral fins to attract females. There is limited information on breeding them in captivity, and it is considered a rare event.

Habitat

Dactyloptena orientalis is found in tropical and subtropical waters from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to southern Japan, and south to New Caledonia. They inhabit sandy or muddy bottoms near coral reefs, often at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 100 meters.