Longfin Gurnard

Chelidonichthys obscurus

The Longfin Gurnard is a distinctive species of ray-finned fish known for its large, armored head and bony plates adorned with ridges and spines. It features two separate dorsal fins, with the first dorsal fin having elongated spines. The pectoral fins are dark blue, contrasting with the reddish-pink upper body and iridescent flanks. This fish can grow to a maximum length of 50.5 cm. Inhabiting the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the Longfin Gurnard is found from the southern coasts of the British Isles to Mauritania, including the Azores and Madeira. It prefers demersal habitats on the continental shelf, living among soft substrates and fallen rocks at depths ranging from 20 to 170 meters. It is rare off southern England and Ireland and absent from the Black Sea. The diet of the Longfin Gurnard primarily consists of benthic invertebrates, particularly mysids. Its eggs and larvae are planktonic. The species is of minor commercial interest in the Mediterranean, often appearing in fish markets in countries like Spain, Morocco, and Italy. The IUCN Red List categorizes it as Least Concern.