Flying Gurnard
ΘΑΛΑΣΣΙΟ ΕΙΔΟΣ

Flying Gurnard

About

No venom and no bite. Only the small spines on its head need care if you pick it up.

The sand's most photogenic fish. At rest it's brownish-grey and blends into the seabed. When startled or trying to impress, it spreads its huge pectoral fins like a fan, with a vivid blue outline and phosphorescent blue spots - its signature feature.

It isn't a true oceanic flying fish (Exocoetidae) - it belongs to the Dactylopteridae family. It doesn't fly out of the water; it just glides just above the sand and "walks" along the seabed on small leg-like fin rays, hunting for small crabs and shrimp. It can reach 45-50cm, though the ones usually spotted are smaller, around 15-25cm.

Completely harmless and very shy.

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Useful Information

Weather in Alexandroupoli

Live
20°CCloudy
Feels like 17°C 11 km/h 43%

From April to June and from September to October you get warm days, calm sea, and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy along the seafront, while winters stay mild but rainy.