Flying Gurnard Fish

Introduction to Flying Gurnards

The Flying Gurnard is one of the ocean’s most unique and eye-catching fish, best known for its large, wing-like pectoral fins. While not true flyers, they dramatically spread these fins to startle predators or during displays, revealing striking shades of electric blue and green. Native to sandy and muddy coastal areas of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, Flying Gurnards spend most of their time foraging along the substrate. They are peaceful by nature but require large aquariums with plenty of floor space to thrive. Due to their specialized needs and large adult size, they are best suited for advanced aquarists with very spacious aquariums.

Care Requirements

Care Level: Moderate to Difficult – Requires a large tank and specialized feeding
Minimum Tank Size: 200+ gallons
Aquarium Setup: Open sandy bottom with live rock around the perimeter. Flying Gurnards prefer to “walk” along the substrate using their modified pelvic fins and need open space more than vertical rockwork. A secure lid is recommended, as they may startle and jump.

Diet & Nutrition

Flying Gurnards are carnivorous bottom feeders that hunt small invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, they should be offered a variety of meaty foods.

Diet: Carnivorous – Prefers crustaceans and other bottom-dwelling prey

Recommended Foods:

• Fresh or frozen shrimp, squid, clams, and small pieces of fish

• Live blackworms, ghost shrimp, or other gut-loaded live foods to encourage feeding

• Sinking meaty pellets or gel-based marine diets (if accepted)

Multiple daily feedings are recommended to maintain their health and condition.

Lifespan & Growth Rate

Lifespan: 5–12 years in captivity with proper care
Growth Rate: Moderate – Can reach 15–20 inches in length, requiring a very large system

Temperament & Compatibility

Temperament: Peaceful – Generally ignores tankmates
Flying Gurnards are non-aggressive and make unique display fish. However, they may prey on very small fish, crabs, or shrimp that fit in their mouths. They do not bother corals but are best housed with other large, non-aggressive species.

Common Challenges & Considerations

• Tank Size: Requires very large aquariums (200+ gallons) to accommodate their size and behavior

• Specialized Diet: Some individuals may refuse prepared foods and rely only on live prey at first

• Open Space Needs: Needs sandy substrate and minimal rock clutter for foraging

• Jumping Risk: Can leap when startled – secure lid is essential

Water Conditions

• Temperature: 72–78°F

• dKH (Alkalinity): 8–12

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025

Stable, high-quality water with strong oxygenation and moderate flow is essential for their health.

Color Varieties & Unique Features

Unlike most reef fish, Flying Gurnards don’t come in multiple color varieties. Instead, their beauty lies in their unique ability to expand their fins into dazzling “wings” patterned with iridescent blue-green hues. This display, combined with their bottom-walking behavior, makes them one of the most unusual and captivating species available to advanced marine aquarists.