Spotwing flying gurnard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spotwing flying gurnard |
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Dactylopterus macracanthus Bleeker, 1855 |
The spotwing flying gurnard (Dactyloptena macracantha) is a truly unique fish! It looks very unusual because of its huge side fins, called pectoral fins. These fins have cool dark spots and wavy lines. The fish itself usually has a dull-colored head and a grey or brown body. Its body is also covered with dark brown or black spots.
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What Makes This Fish Special?
Even though it's called a "flying gurnard," this fish doesn't actually fly! It's not even related to the real flyingfish, which are part of a different family called Exocoetidae. True flyingfish can glide through the air, but our spotwing gurnard stays in the water.
How Does It Move?
Instead of flying, the spotwing flying gurnard has a special way of moving. It can "walk" along the ocean floor! It does this by moving its pelvic fins (fins on its belly) and the short rays of its pectoral fins. Imagine a fish walking on its fingertips – that's kind of what it looks like!
What Happens When It's Scared?
When this fish feels like it's in danger, it quickly spreads out its big pectoral fins. This makes it look much bigger and might scare away predators. Then, it quickly pulls its fins back in and swims away very fast.
Where Does the Spotwing Flying Gurnard Live?
This interesting fish lives in the Indo-Pacific region. This huge area stretches from the northern part of the Indian Ocean all the way to Japan.
What Does It Eat?
The spotwing flying gurnard enjoys a diet of small ocean creatures. It mostly eats crustaceans, which are like tiny crabs or shrimp. It also munches on small clams and other little fishes it finds on the seabed.
How Big Can It Get?
This fish can grow to be quite a good size. It can reach up to 38 centimeters long. That's about the length of a standard ruler and a half!
