Common name: batfish

General information

The Flying Gurnard, Dactylopterus volitans, is a distinctive fish known for its large, wing-like pectoral fins which are usually held against the body but can be spread wide open, resembling wings. This display is often used to startle predators or during courtship rituals. Despite their name, Flying Gurnards do not actually fly; the 'flight' is more of a gliding motion underwater. They have a bony head and body covered with hard scales, and their coloration can be quite striking with patterns of brown, green, and blue.

Care

Flying Gurnards are not common in the aquarium trade, but they can be kept by experienced aquarists who can provide a large tank with plenty of open space for swimming and a sandy bottom for them to sift through in search of food. They are demersal fish, meaning they spend most of their time near the bottom. They can grow up to 50 cm (20 inches) in length, so a spacious tank is necessary. Their diet should include a variety of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and small fish.

Reproduction

In the wild, Flying Gurnards are believed to spawn during the warmer months, releasing their eggs into the water column. There is little information available on their breeding habits in captivity, and breeding them in home aquariums is considered quite challenging.

Habitat

Flying Gurnards inhabit sandy or muddy bottoms of coastal waters, often near coral reefs. They are found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, including the Mediterranean Sea. They can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 100 meters (330 feet).