Family Dactylopteridae

Helmet Gurnards

These are bottom dwellers that feed upon buried invertebrates.  The large pectoral fins are presumably used to ward off predators and they are quite skittish when approached.  The cannot fly nor swim very fast.

 

HAWAII / INDO-PACIFIC

Dactyloptena orientalis

Hanauma Bay, Oahu, 5 feet

 

Ko'olina, Oahu, 20 feet

 

Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi, Indonesia

 

 

Hickam Harbor, Oahu

 FLYING or HELMET GURNARD

Occasional in shallow sandy or silty bays  & harbors.  Attains 15 inches.  Indo-Pacific.  Dactylopterus volitans occurs in the Atlantic.

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