Flying Gurnard
Dactylopterus volitans
A bottom-dwelling fish with large, wing-like pectoral fins that it spreads when threatened or disturbed. Known for its ability to 'walk' along the bottom using modified pelvic fins.
Flying Gurnard at a glance
- Scientific name
- Dactylopterus volitans
- Typical size
- 8-12 inches, 1-2 lbs
- Water
- Saltwater
- Habitat
- Inshore
- Rarity in the Fishdex™
- Uncommon
Habitat
Found in sandy and muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Typically caught incidentally by anglers fishing for other species using bottom rigs with small baits like shrimp or worms. Most active at night when foraging for crustaceans and small fish.
Catch one and it is yours
Log a flying gurnard through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your photo, your personal best, and the exact conditions on the day. The app also carries the slot and season rules for wherever you are standing.
How the Fishdex™ worksFlying Gurnard questions people ask
Flying Gurnard is Dactylopterus volitans.
A typical flying gurnard runs 8-12 inches, 1-2 lbs. Cobia records the length and weight of every flying gurnard you log and keeps your personal best on its Fishdex entry.
Found in sandy and muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Typically caught incidentally by anglers fishing for other species using bottom rigs with small baits like shrimp or worms. Most active at night when foraging for crustaceans and small fish. It is a salt water species, filed under inshore in the Fishdex.
Yes. Log one through the Cobia Camera and this entry fills in with your own photo, your personal best, and the conditions on the day you caught it. The app also carries the slot limits and season dates for wherever you are standing. It is free.
Tomorrow morning starts tonight
Set your home water, pick a drive radius, and wake up to a plan.
Android coming soon
iPhone, iOS 17 or later. Setup takes about a minute.