Oriental Flying Gurnard

Dactyloptena orientalis, commonly referred to as the Oriental flying gurnard or purple flying gurnard, is a species of marine fish belonging to the family Dactylopteridae. The name "gurnard" is derived from the French word meaning "to grunt," describing the distinctive sound produced by this species.

The Oriental flying gurnard can attain a maximum length of 40 cm (16 in), although it is more commonly found at approximately 20 cm (8 in). It is characterized by a broad head with a blunt snout and widely set eyes, coupled with a heavily armored, robust body. The dorsal fin is composed of seven spines and nine soft rays, while the anal fin lacks spines and comprises six to seven soft rays. One of the distinguishing features of this species is its expansive, rounded pectoral fins, which exhibit numerous dark spots and wavy streaks, outlined by a vibrant blue edge. Each fin ray is adorned with a feeler-like extension at the tip. The fish's coloration provides effective camouflage, featuring a grayish-brown base with dark brown or black markings on its head and body.

The Oriental flying gurnard is widely distributed throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including the 🌊 Red Sea. Its geographic range spans the coastlines of East Africa to Polynesia and includes the western, northern, and eastern coastlines of 🇦🇺 Australia. This species is typically found on the seabed in bays, estuaries, and sandy areas at depths of approximately 10 meters (33 feet), but it can also inhabit waters as deep as 100 meters (328 feet).

In response to potential threats, the Oriental flying gurnard employs a defensive mechanism by expanding its pectoral fins to startle potential predators, such as sea breams and mackerel. It displays a unique mode of locomotion, utilizing its pelvic fins to "walk" along the ocean floor. The diet of the Oriental flying gurnard primarily consists of small bony fish, bivalves, and crustaceans.