Fin's Fish Guide
The African gurnard (Chelidonichthys lastoviza) is a saltwater fish of the family Triglidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Norway around the Cape of Good Hope to Mozambique; Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The streaked gurnard is a bottom fish of the family Triglidae reaching about 40 cm. The reddish body carries dark cross-bars, giving the species its name, and large pectoral fins. The lower three pectoral rays are free and used as feelers to walk over sand and rock bottoms and detect food. Like other gurnards the fish can make sounds with its swim bladder. The streaked gurnard occurs in the eastern Atlantic, from Norway to Mozambique, and in the Mediterranean, usually between 10 and 40 m. It feeds mainly on crustaceans and is a valued food fish across its range.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African gurnard?
The African gurnard has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Reddish gurnard with dark transverse stripes and large pectoral fins; the three lowest pectoral fin rays are separate and serve as feelers on the bottom.
Where does the African gurnard live?
The African gurnard lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Norway around the Cape of Good Hope to Mozambique; Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the African gurnard get?
The African gurnard grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the African gurnard dangerous to humans?
No, the African gurnard is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the African gurnard edible?
Yes, the African gurnard is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the African gurnard and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chelidonichthys
More from the family Triglidae
Want the complete picture on the African gurnard?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African gurnard is one of 12,519 species in the app.