Depth
Trigloporus · Bony Fish

Streaked Gurnard

Trigloporus lastoviza

10-150m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
10-150m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Reef & Open
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Trigloporus
Species lastoviza

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationStocky body with a large, bony, armoured head. Reddish body with darker streaks and bands. Large, fan-like pectoral fins with bright blue edges and inner surfaces. Modified pelvic fin rays used for walking on the seabed.
  • SizeUp to 40 cm total length, commonly 15 to 25 cm.
  • Social HabitUsually solitary or in small groups walking slowly over sandy and mixed substrates.
  • HabitatSandy, muddy, and mixed bottoms near rocky reefs. Walks along the bottom on modified fin rays.
  • Depth5 to 150 m, most common between 10 and 60 m.
  • Feeds OnSmall crustaceans, worms, and molluscs found on and in the seabed.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from the British Isles to West Africa, including the Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionA beautiful gurnard that walks along the seabed on finger-like pelvic fin rays, probing the sand for food. When disturbed, it flashes its vivid blue pectoral fins in a startling display. The streaked gurnard is a common and always welcome find on Mediterranean sandy-bottom dives.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 150m 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 10-150m. 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.

Streaked Gurnard species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Uses three pairs of modified pectoral fin rays to 'walk' along the seabed and probe sand for buried invertebrates, worms and small crustaceans.

Benthic forager

Reproduction

Spawns pelagic eggs in spring and summer. Larvae are planktonic before juveniles settle to the seabed.

Pelagic spawner

Behaviour & Defence

When threatened, fans out its large, brightly coloured pectoral fins in a startling display designed to deter predators.

Startle display

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Trigloporus lastoviza. 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.

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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