Red Gurnard
Chelidonichthys cuculus
Identification
A smaller gurnard of 20 to 35 cm. Similar body shape to tub gurnard but slimmer. Bright red to pink back. Pectoral fins reddish-brown without the striking blue markings of the tub gurnard. Three free fin rays beneath the pectoral fins.
Behavior & ecology
Lives on sand and mud bottoms at 15 to 300 meters depth. Walks on the bottom using free fin rays. Feeds on shrimp, small crabs, and fish. Can produce grunting sounds.
Fishing techniques
Bites eagerly on shrimp and worm. Regular bycatch when boat fishing.
In the Netherlands
Found in the North Sea, but less common than the grey gurnard. More a species of the Channel and western North Sea.
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Seasonal patterns
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Key predictors
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