Depth
Dactylopterus · Bony Fish

Flying Gurnard

Dactylopterus volitans

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Reef & Open
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
High
Sighting Likelihood
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Dactylopterus
Species volitans

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationStocky body with an armoured, bony head and enormously enlarged pectoral fins that can be spread into fan-like 'wings'. Blue-grey body with dark spots. Pectoral fins display vivid blue spots and markings when spread.
  • SizeUp to 50 cm total length, commonly 20 to 35 cm.
  • Social HabitUsually solitary or in small groups walking slowly over sandy substrates using their modified pelvic fins.
  • HabitatSandy and muddy bottoms near rocky reefs. Walks along the bottom on finger-like pelvic fin rays.
  • Depth1 to 80 m, most common between 5 and 30 m.
  • Feeds OnCrustaceans, small fish, and benthic invertebrates found on the seabed.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from Portugal to Angola, including the Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionOne of the most spectacular fish a diver can encounter on sandy Mediterranean bottoms. When threatened, it spreads its enormous, brilliantly coloured pectoral fins into a dazzling display. Despite its name, it does not actually fly but walks along the bottom on modified pelvic fin rays and occasionally glides short distances over the substrate.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Reef & Open habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Flying Gurnard species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Walks along sandy bottoms on modified pelvic fins, using them to probe sand for crustaceans, worms and small molluscs. Flushes prey out of sediment by fanning its large pectoral fins.

Benthic forager

Reproduction

Spawns pelagic eggs in warmer months. Larvae are planktonic before settling to the seabed at a few centimetres in size.

Egg layer

Behaviour & Defence

Flares its enormous, wing-like pectoral fins to startle predators with a sudden display of bright blue spots. The dramatic size increase makes it appear much larger than it is.

Startle display

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Dactylopterus volitans. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

View dive site ›
5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

View dive site ›
18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

View dive site ›
IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide