oriental flying gurnard
| Scientific name | Dactyloptena orientalis |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Cuvier |
| Year of description | 1829 |
| IUCN category (World) | LC |
| Family | Dactylopteridae |
| Genus | Dactyloptena |
Introduction
The oriental flying gurnard or red gurnard, is a species of tropical fish found in coastal areas throughout the entire Indo-Pacific region.
When it spreads its large pectoral fins, this fish appears to glide through the waters, earning it the nickname of "flying" fish.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size20 cm
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Maximum size35 cm
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Patternponctuations
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Average size20 cm
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Maximum size35 cm
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Patternponctuations
How to recognize the oriental flying gurnard ?
The oriental flying gurnard is multicolored. The pattern is not easily described as it consists of dozens of colored spots that can be orange, brown, turquoise, or red. The size of the patterns on the wing-shaped pectoral fins varies considerably depending on the fish's position.
It is closely related to the Dactyloptena macrantha but the latter does not have a blue-turquoise band at the end of the pectoral fins. It can also be confused with D. volitans but the latter is not found in the same distribution area (limited to the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean).
Sexual dimorphism
Dimorphism is not easily observable.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilitysolitary
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territorialNo
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Way of livingdiurnal
The oriental flying gurnard is a solitary fish that mostly resides near sandy bottoms and algae zones. As specified in the genus description, this predator reaching a maximum size of around 35 cm digs the ground to disturb small species that it later hunts.
It is sometimes seen in pairs or small groups of a few individuals. A study has shown that it is regularly followed by a few small opportunistic predators who take advantage of the gurnard's action to hunt the fleeing prey.
Overall, it is an independent fish that pays little attention to other species.
Reproduction
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Reproductiondont le mode de reproduction est encore inconnu
The oriental flying gurnard is a fish whose mode of reproduction is still unknown.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature26 - 30 °C
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Depth1 - 100 m
Biotope presentation
The oriental flying gurnard is most commonly found between 1 and 30 meters but has been observed up to 100 meters.
Fishkeeping
Not recommended
We do not recommend keeping this species in an aquarium. It has unpredictable needs which, if not met, generate significant stress, potentially leading to a shorter life expectancy, an interruption of its growth or the development of pathogens.
To go further
Species of the same family
flying gurnard
Dactylopteridae
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Benoit Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Bibliographic references
A non-digging zoobenthivorous fish attracts two opportunistic predatory fish associates - Alice Grossman - Neotrop. ichthyol. - 2005.
Scientific partners
Tags
Species of the same family
flying gurnard
Dactylopteridae