Gurnard facts for kids

The word Gurnard can mean a few different things! Most often, it refers to a special type of fish. But it can also be the name of a village, a bay, or even a submarine! Let's learn more about these interesting uses of the word.

Meet the Gurnard Fish!

Gurnards are a fascinating family of fish called Triglidae. They live in oceans all around the world, usually on the seabed. There are many different kinds of gurnards, and they come in various colors like red, pink, brown, and even blue.

What Do Gurnards Look Like?

Gurnards have large, bony heads that are often covered in spines. Their bodies are long and taper towards their tail. One of the coolest things about them is their fins! They have two large, wing-like pectoral fins that they can spread out, making them look like they're flying underwater.

How Do Gurnards Move?

Unlike most fish that just swim, gurnards have a unique way of moving along the ocean floor. They have three special, finger-like rays on each of their pectoral fins. These rays are separate from the rest of the fin and are very strong. Gurnards use these "fingers" to "walk" or crawl along the seabed, searching for food. It's like they have little legs!

What Do Gurnards Eat?

Gurnards are carnivores, which means they eat other animals. They mostly hunt for small fish, shrimp, crabs, and other tiny creatures that live on the seabed. They use their special fin rays to feel around in the sand and mud, helping them find hidden snacks.

Can Gurnards Make Sounds?

Yes, they can! Gurnards are known for making grunting or croaking sounds. They do this by vibrating a special muscle against their swim bladder, which is a gas-filled organ that helps them float. Scientists think they make these sounds to communicate with each other, especially when they are scared or looking for a mate.

Other Uses of the Name Gurnard

The name "Gurnard" isn't just for fish! It's also used for a few other things:

• Gurnard, Isle of Wight: This is a small village located on the Isle of Wight, an island off the south coast of England.
  • Gurnard Bay: This beautiful bay is right next to the village of Gurnard on the Isle of Wight. It's a popular spot for sailing and enjoying the sea.
• USS Gurnard: The United States Navy has named two of its submarines "USS Gurnard" after the fish.
  • USS Gurnard (SS-254) was a submarine from World War II.
  • USS Gurnard (SSN-662) was a nuclear-powered submarine that served for many years.
• Short Gurnard: This was the name of an old type of biplane (an airplane with two main wings) that was used as a fighter plane a long time ago.