Home · Triglidae · Large-scaled gurnard
Large-scaled gurnard (Lepidotrigla cavillone) — Triglidae

Large-scaled gurnard

Lepidotrigla cavillone
Family: Triglidae
LC · Least Concern

The Large-scaled gurnard (Lepidotrigla cavillone) is a saltwater fish of the family Triglidae that grows up to 23 cm.

Length
22.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
30.0–450.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The large-scaled gurnard is a small gurnard of the family Triglidae reaching about 22 cm. The reddish body has an armoured, angular head, notably large scales and large, fan-shaped pectoral fins. Characteristic are the three separate, finger-like lower pectoral rays on each side, with which the fish 'walks' over the bottom as if on legs and feels for prey in the sand. Like other gurnards it can make growling sounds with a drumming swim-bladder muscle. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the Mediterranean and the eastern Atlantic, on the continental shelf. It hunts small crustaceans, shrimps and worms. It is regularly landed as bycatch and is a valued ingredient of fish soup.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Large-scaled gurnard?

The Large-scaled gurnard has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Large-scaled gurnard live?

The Large-scaled gurnard lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Large-scaled gurnard get?

The Large-scaled gurnard grows to a maximum of about 23 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.

Is the Large-scaled gurnard dangerous to humans?

No, the Large-scaled gurnard is harmless to humans.

Is the Large-scaled gurnard edible?

Yes, the Large-scaled gurnard is commonly eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Grootschub-poon inferred
English name
Large-scaled gurnard verified
Scientific name
Lepidotrigla cavillone
Family
Triglidae
Other names
Large-scaled gurnard verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.5 verified
Average length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No verified
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes verified

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater verified
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
30.0 verified
Max depth (m)
450.0 verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore verified
Social behaviour
Small groups verified
Territorial
No verified
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
No verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten verified
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Lepidotrigla

More from the family Triglidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →