Fin's Fish Guide
The Gurnard (Trigla lyra) is a saltwater fish of the family Triglidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Eastern Atlantic north of the British Isles and the North Sea to Walvis Bay (Namibia), including Madeira and the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The piper gurnard is a red deep-water gurnard of the family Triglidae reaching about 60 cm. It is characterised by a deeply notched, two-pointed snout and large pectoral fins; the lower three pectoral rays are free and used as feelers to walk over sand and mud bottoms and locate food. The fish can make grunting sounds with its swim bladder. The piper gurnard lives in deeper water of the eastern Atlantic, from north of the British Isles to Namibia, and in the Mediterranean, usually between 150 and 400 m. It feeds on shrimps and crabs and has only limited commercial value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gurnard?
The Gurnard has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Red deep-water gurnard with a deeply notched, two-pointed snout and large pectoral fins; the lowest pectoral fin rays are separate and serve as feelers.
Where does the Gurnard live?
The Gurnard lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic north of the British Isles and the North Sea to Walvis Bay (Namibia), including Madeira and the Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Gurnard get?
The Gurnard grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Gurnard dangerous to humans?
No, the Gurnard is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Gurnard edible?
The Gurnard is rarely eaten.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Gurnard and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Triglidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Gurnard is one of 12,519 species in the app.