Fin's Fish Guide
The Spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla dieuzeidei) is a saltwater fish of the family Triglidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The spiny gurnard is a gurnard (Triglidae) from the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The species has an armoured, pointed head and large, fan-shaped pectoral fins whose lower rays are free; with these it 'walks' and feels the bottom. It lives bottom-bound on sand and mud bottoms at sixty to two hundred and fifty metres depth. As a bottom hunter it feeds on small crustaceans, worms and small fishes. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spiny gurnard?
The Spiny gurnard has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Free lower pectoral fin rays for 'walking' over the bottom; gurnard of sandy and muddy bottoms.
Where does the Spiny gurnard live?
The Spiny gurnard lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea; sandy and muddy bottoms.
How big does the Spiny gurnard get?
The Spiny gurnard grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Spiny gurnard dangerous to humans?
No, the Spiny gurnard is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Spiny gurnard edible?
Yes, the Spiny gurnard is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Spiny 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 Lepidotrigla
More from the family Triglidae
Want the complete picture on the Spiny gurnard?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spiny gurnard is one of 12,519 species in the app.