Gurnards

Name

Gurnards

Alias

Sea Robins

Scientific name

Triglidae

Size

Gurnards measure 40cm on average but can be up to 1m in length.

Identification

Gurnards have bony, large, square-shaped heads that narrows towards its tail. Its pectoral fins have two to three separate rays in front. They are predominantly grey and black on the body with bright blue edges on the pectoral fins.

General Info

Gurnards belong to the Triglidae family which comprises of 14 genera and 100 species. They are bottom-dwelling creatures that use their pectoral rays to detect food. They can be seen in a flying motion on the ocean surface when disturbed by boats, an action which is done by spreading their pectoral fins. They create a drumming sound with their swim bladders and are pelagic spawners.

Feeding

Gurnards feed predominantly on molluscs and small crustaceans.

Distribution

They can be found in all temperate and tropical oceans across the world.

Common Species

Bowmouth guitarfish - Rhina ancylostoma
Giant guitarfish - Rhynchobatus djiddensis
White-spotted guitarfish - Rhinobatos punctifer