Fin's Fish Guide
The Mediterranean bigeye rockling (Gaidropsarus biscayensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Lotidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on rocky and gravel-covered bottoms of shallow to moderately deep water.
Description
The Mediterranean bigeye rockling is a small cod relative of the family Lotidae reaching about 40 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 are conspicuous. The first dorsal fin consists of a row of fine, thread-like rays, the second is long and low. The red-brown body blends well against rocks. The species lives hidden on rocky and gravel-covered bottoms of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, from shallow to moderate depths. Mainly at night it hunts small crustaceans, worms and small fish. Because of its small size and hidden lifestyle it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mediterranean bigeye rockling?
The Mediterranean bigeye rockling has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Cod-like rockling with three barbels (two on the nose, one on the chin) and large eyes; the first dorsal fin is a row of fine thread-like rays.
Where does the Mediterranean bigeye rockling live?
The Mediterranean bigeye rockling lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on rocky and gravel-covered bottoms of shallow to moderately deep water.
How big does the Mediterranean bigeye rockling get?
The Mediterranean bigeye rockling grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Mediterranean bigeye rockling dangerous to humans?
No, the Mediterranean bigeye rockling is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mediterranean bigeye rockling edible?
The Mediterranean bigeye rockling is not usually eaten.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Mediterranean bigeye rockling and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Mediterranean bigeye rockling?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mediterranean bigeye rockling is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Mediterranean bigeye rockling?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mediterranean bigeye rockling is one of 12,519 species in the app.