Red gurnard

Red Gurnard

The Red Gurnard (Chelidonichthys cuculus) is a species of searobin in the family Triglidae. It is native to the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Description

The Red Gurnard is a distinctive fish with a large, bony head and a slim body. Its most notable feature is its large pectoral fins, which are brightly colored in shades of red and pink. The fins are often spread out in a fan-like display, giving the fish its common name.

Distribution and Habitat

The Red Gurnard is found in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It prefers sandy or muddy bottoms and is usually found at depths of between 10 and 100 meters.

Diet

The diet of the Red Gurnard consists mainly of crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. It uses its sensory barbels to detect prey in the sediment.

Reproduction

Red Gurnards are oviparous, with females releasing eggs that are then fertilized externally. The eggs float in the water column until they hatch.

Commercial Importance

Red Gurnard is a popular food fish in many parts of Europe. It is often caught by trawling and is sold fresh, frozen, or smoked.

Conservation Status

The Red Gurnard is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like all marine species, it is potentially threatened by overfishing and habitat degradation.

See Also

• Searobin
• Triglidae
• Eastern Atlantic Ocean
• Mediterranean Sea

External Links

• FishBase: Red Gurnard
• IUCN Red List: Red Gurnard