scubaseason

Red Gurnard

Chelidonichthys cuculus

Sighting evidence at Scoglio del Raviolo, Portofino

Red gurnards walk across the sandy patches between boulders on their modified pectoral fin rays, searching for buried crustaceans and small fish with extraordinary methodical precision. Their vibrant red and orange colouring makes them one of the most striking species on the site, and their deliberate movement allows close approach by patient divers. They are an indicator of healthy sandy and mixed substrate ecosystems within the reserve.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Red Gurnard is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.