Flying Gurnard

Photo: Rodrigo Maia-Nogueira · © all rights reserved

Flying gurnards stalk the sandy bottom at Pelado on modified pectoral fin rays that function like walking legs, pausing to unfurl their enormous, electric-blue-spotted wing fins in dramatic threat displays when approached. They use their chin barbels to detect invertebrates buried just below the sand surface, flicking their pectoral fins to disturb and expose prey. Despite their alien appearance, they are slow-moving and remarkably tolerant of careful divers, making them outstanding subjects for wide-angle photography.