How to Identify Oriental flying gurnard

To identify Oriental flying gurnard (Dactyloptena orientalis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Highly variable, typically mottled brown, green, or grey with darker spots and bands, providing excellent camouflage against the seabed. The pectoral fins are often brightly colored, displaying shades of blue, purple, or green with iridescent spots and ocelli, especially when spread.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Greatly enlarged, wing-like pectoral fins that extend beyond the caudal fin when spread., Two separate dorsal fins, the first with two very short, detached spines anteriorly., Large, bony head with a blunt snout and large eyes., Body covered in bony plates rather than scales., Pelvic fins located far forward, almost under the throat.

Dorsal fin

First dorsal fin with 6-7 spines (first two detached and very short), second dorsal fin with 8 soft rays. The detached spines are a key diagnostic feature.

Tail fin

Truncate to slightly emarginate caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Extremely large, fan-like, and wing-shaped, with 29-35 rays. Used for 'walking' on the substrate and gliding.

Distinctive fins

The first two spines of the first dorsal fin are completely separate from the rest of the fin and are very short. The pelvic fins are thoracic, with 1 spine and 4 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Pectoral Fins

   The most striking feature is the enormous, fan-like pectoral fins. When spread, they resemble wings and are often brightly colored with iridescent spots and ocelli. These are used for propulsion along the seabed and for short glides.

2. 2

   Dorsal Spines

   Look for two very short, detached spines anterior to the main first dorsal fin. This is a key characteristic distinguishing it from true gurnards.

3. 3

   Body Covering

   The body is covered in bony plates, not typical scales, giving it a somewhat armored appearance.

4. 4

   Behavior

   Observe its unique 'walking' behavior on the seabed using its pelvic fins and the lower rays of its pectoral fins.

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