November 2006

Streetwise Magazine

Flying Fish

No I haven’t lost the plot after a long hot summer! We do have a particularly colourful fish in our waters, which people often refer to as “flying fish”. They are also more commonly referred to as “Flying Gurnards”. The more common fish seen locally is in fact the streaked gurnard. This has a very steep head profile, with very long pectoral fins. When seen on the sandy seabed they seem to be walking on these fins, and make it look as if they have legs. These are specialised finger like fin rays that have sensory cells, which feel the seabed and can even taste whatever they touch.

 

They do not in fact fly, but they propel themselves through the sea surface and glide some considerable distance. They are often seen as they launch themselves away from approaching boats.

When the fish is threatened underwater they unfold their wings (pectoral fins) and displays the vibrant blue edges and blue spots. This canny little creature has along with most of its family members, the ability to vibrate its swim bladder with the help of special muscles and produce a rumbling sound. (my stomach can do that without special muscles)

This harmless little fish will grow up to about 40cm on a diet of small crustaceans and can live for up to 18 years. So we hope we will continue to see them here for many years to come.

If you want to help preserve the marine life in this area come and talk to ScubaDoo, we are involved in a number of ongoing projects and anyone is welcome to join in and help. Contact Dave or Dot at ScubaDoo for more information.

 

 

 

Photographs by D Graves & J Jensen

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