Flying Gurnard - Dactylopterus volitans - Pectoral Fins Spread at Cirkewwa

A flying gurnard (Dactylopterus volitans) spreading its spectacular wing-like pectoral fins over the seabed at Cirkewwa Marine Park, Malta.

This photograph shows a flying gurnard (Dactylopterus volitans) on the seabed at Cirkewwa Marine Park, Malta, with its exceptionally large pectoral fins spread out on either side of its body. Viewed from above, the fish's elongated body, broad head and spotted, fan-like fins stand out against the pale rocky and sandy bottom, creating the characteristic winged appearance responsible for its common name. Despite being called a flying gurnard, the species does not actually fly; its greatly enlarged pectoral fins are displayed underwater and can make the fish appear considerably larger. Dactylopterus volitans occurs in the Mediterranean Sea as well as large areas of the eastern and western Atlantic. It inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms and rocky areas interspersed with sand, generally at depths between about 1 and 100 metres. The fish explores the seabed using the free anterior rays of its pectoral fins and feeds primarily on bottom-dwelling crustaceans, molluscs and small fish. Adults can reach approximately 50 centimetres in length.