Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigeye rockling (Gaidropsarus macrophthalmus) is a saltwater fish of the family Lotidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Eastern Atlantic, around the Macaronesian islands, on rocky and gravel-covered bottoms of shallow to moderately deep water.
Description
The bigeye rockling is a small cod relative of the family Lotidae reaching about 25 cm. Like other rocklings it carries three barbels — two on the snout and one on the chin — with which it searches the bottom by touch; its large eyes, to which its name refers, are conspicuous. The first dorsal fin consists of a row of fine, thread-like rays in a groove, the second is long and low. The red-brown body blends well against rocks. The species lives hidden on rocky bottoms of the eastern Atlantic around the Macaronesian islands of the Azores, Madeira and the Canaries. Mainly at night it hunts small crustaceans, worms and small fish. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bigeye rockling?
The Bigeye rockling has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Cod-like rockling with three barbels and strikingly large eyes; the first dorsal fin is a row of fine thread-like rays in a groove.
Where does the Bigeye rockling live?
The Bigeye rockling lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Atlantic, around the Macaronesian islands, on rocky and gravel-covered bottoms of shallow to moderately deep water.
How big does the Bigeye rockling get?
The Bigeye rockling grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Bigeye rockling dangerous to humans?
No, the Bigeye rockling is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bigeye rockling edible?
The Bigeye rockling is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gaidropsarus
More from the family Lotidae
Want the complete picture on the Bigeye rockling?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigeye rockling is one of 12,519 species in the app.