Tub Gurnard

Descrição

Trigla lucerna, commonly known as the Tub Gurnard, is a demersal marine fish belonging to the family Triglidae. It is characterized by its large, bony head, prominent pectoral fins, and the ability to 'walk' on the seabed using modified fin rays. This species is known for producing grunting sounds, particularly when caught or disturbed, hence the common name 'gurnard'. It is a commercially important species in many parts of its range.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

elongated

Coloração

Highly variable, typically reddish-brown to orange-red on the dorsal side, fading to pinkish-white or silvery on the belly. The most striking feature is the large, fan-like pectoral fins, which are often bright blue or green with iridescent spots and a dark margin, especially in males during breeding season. The first dorsal fin has a dark blotch.

Tipo de escama

ctenoid

Posição da boca

terminal

Características distintivas

Large, bony, armored head with several ridges and spines., Three free, finger-like rays on each pectoral fin, used for 'walking' on the seabed and sensing prey., Large, fan-like pectoral fins, often brightly colored (blue/green with spots)., Two distinct dorsal fins.

Nadadeira dorsal

Two dorsal fins: the first with 9-11 spines, the second with 16-18 soft rays. The first dorsal fin is typically higher and has a prominent dark spot.

Nadadeira caudal

Caudal fin is slightly emarginate (forked) to truncate.

Nadadeira peitoral

Very large and fan-like, reaching beyond the origin of the anal fin. Possesses three detached, thickened rays at the bottom, which are sensory and locomotive.

Nadadeiras características

Pelvic fins are thoracic, located beneath the pectoral fins.

Dicas de identificação

Habitat

Tipo de água

saltwater

Profundidade

Typically found at depths ranging from 20 to 200 meters, though occasionally shallower or deeper (down to 300 meters).

Ambiente

Demersal, inhabiting sandy, muddy, or gravelly bottoms. Prefers relatively flat or gently sloping substrates where it can forage for benthic invertebrates and small fish. Often found near seagrass beds or rocky outcrops.

Distribuição geográfica

Eastern Atlantic Ocean, from Norway and the British Isles south to Mauritania, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. Also found around the Canary Islands and Madeira.

Informações sobre aquário

• Nível de cuidado: expert
• Temperamento: semi-aggressive
• Alimentação: carnivore
• Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 500 gallons (approx. 1900 liters) for a single adult
• Temperatura: 10-20°C (50-68°F)
• Nível de pH: 8.1-8.4
• Dureza da água: 8-12 dKH
• Compatibilidade: Best kept in a species-specific tank or with very large, robust, non-aggressive fish that occupy different water columns. Avoid small fish or invertebrates as they will be prey.
• Requisitos especiais: Requires a large tank with a soft sand substrate for burrowing and foraging. Excellent filtration and strong water movement are essential. Live food (shrimp, small fish) is preferred, and they may be difficult to acclimate to prepared foods. Not typically suitable for home aquaria due to size, specialized needs, and predatory nature.

Informações no ambiente natural

• Estado de conservação: least concern
• Sazonalidade: Available year-round, but peak catches often occur during warmer months when they are more active and closer to shore.
• Preço de mercado: Varies significantly by region and season, generally moderate to high.
• Importância comercial: high
• Sabor: Mild, sweet, and delicate flavor.
• Textura: Firm, flaky white flesh.
• Métodos de preparo: Baking, Grilling, Frying, Steaming, Used in soups and stews (e.g., bouillabaisse)
• Valor nutricional: Good source of lean protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals.

Fatos principais

Espécies similares

Classificação científica

Reino

Animalia

Filo

Chordata

Classe

Actinopterygii

Ordem

Scorpaeniformes

Família

Triglidae

Gênero

Trigla

Espécie

Trigla lucerna

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