Flying Gurnard - Dactyloptena orientalis

Flying Gurnard (Dactyloptena orientalis)

The Flying Gurnard is a fascinating and unusual marine fish recognised for its broad head, armoured appearance and spectacular wing-like pectoral fins. When startled or displaying, these fins can be spread dramatically to reveal striking patterns, giving the species its distinctive name. Although generally peaceful towards suitably sized tankmates, it is a bottom-dwelling predator that requires a large aquarium with extensive open substrate and careful consideration of smaller fish and invertebrates.

Common Name:
Flying Gurnard, Oriental Flying Gurnard

Scientific Name (Latin):
Dactyloptena orientalis

Maximum Size:
Approximately 40 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Flying Gurnard occurs throughout tropical Indo-Pacific waters and is associated with sandy lagoons, reef flats, rubble zones and open seabed areas close to coral and rocky reef structure.

It spends much of its time moving across the substrate while searching for small crustaceans, molluscs and other benthic prey.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Peaceful / Predatory

The Flying Gurnard is generally peaceful towards fish that are too large to be viewed as prey.

However, small fish, shrimp and other suitably sized invertebrates may be eaten, particularly if encountered while the fish is foraging across the substrate.

Diet:
Carnivore / Benthic Predator

The Flying Gurnard naturally feeds on crustaceans, molluscs and other small animals found within or on the substrate.

In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including chopped prawn, mussel, cockle, krill, mysis, squid and other appropriately sized marine-based foods.

Sinking foods are particularly useful because this species spends most of its time feeding close to the bottom.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 800 litres

Its substantial adult size and bottom-roaming behaviour mean the Flying Gurnard requires a large aquarium with extensive horizontal floor space.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Flying Gurnard is primarily a bottom-dwelling fish that moves across sand and rubble while searching for prey.

Its enlarged pectoral fins are usually held partially folded but may be spread dramatically when the fish is startled, threatened or displaying.

Provide a broad area of soft sand together with open substrate, secure rockwork and unobstructed areas for movement.

Although it may appear slow-moving, it requires significantly more floor space than many similarly sized marine fish.

Reef Safe:
With Caution

The Flying Gurnard does not normally feed on healthy coral tissue and may be compatible with corals from that perspective.

However, ornamental shrimp, small crabs, molluscs and small fish may be consumed.

Its large size and active movement across the bottom can also disturb unsecured corals or decorations placed directly on the substrate.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a very spacious, mature marine aquarium with extensive open substrate and excellent filtration.

A soft sand or fine substrate is recommended to support natural bottom-foraging behaviour.

Tankmates should be large enough not to be viewed as prey and should not be excessively aggressive.

Avoid keeping the Flying Gurnard with valuable ornamental crustaceans or very small fish.

Rockwork should be positioned securely while leaving substantial open floor space for the fish to move freely.

Good oxygenation and stable water chemistry are essential, particularly for larger specimens.

Careful feeding observation is recommended during acclimation to ensure the fish accepts prepared marine foods and maintains healthy body condition.

Suitable for:
Experienced

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.