Fish
Bluefin Gurnard
Chelidonichthys kumu
A bottom-hugging reddish gurnard that fans open electric-blue pectoral fins and walks the sand on finger-like feelers.
Also known as blouvinknorhaan, bluefinned gurnard, gurnard, seerobin
- Typical size
- Commonly 25-45 cm
- Habitat
- Sand and mud flats over soft bottoms
- Depth
- Around 10-100 m
The bluefin gurnard has an armoured, tapering body of reddish-brown, but its signature is the pair of large fan-shaped pectoral fins that spread to reveal a brilliant blue margin and dark blotch when it is startled. The lowest rays of these fins are separated into stiff, finger-like feelers the fish uses to 'walk' across the bottom and probe the sediment for food.
It lives on sand and mud flats off the South African coast, hunting crustaceans, worms and small fish, and is known to produce audible grunts using its swim bladder. Divers occasionally encounter one resting on open sand, where its flared blue fins make for a striking sight before it settles back into camouflage. Handle with care, as the head and gill covers bear sharp spines.