The grey gurnard are the smallest of the three main gurnard species. It can grow to almost three pounds, but shore caught are usually under a pound. Unsurprisingly the grey gurnard is usually a dark greyish colour on the back and flanks, although this can sometimes be nearer to black. This fades to a pale underbelly. The grey gurnard’s lateral line is made up of unusual bony, thorny scales, and its pectoral fin/wings are the smallest of the three.
Distribution
Tub and grey gurnard are found throughout the UK in decent numbers. The red gurnard, however, is a fish that is generally found in the south of the British Isles, especially in the English Channel. Like other species such as pollock, the gurnard move out into deeper water in the winter and come into shallower waters to follow in the sprats, sandeels and other species in the warmer months.
Feeds On
All gurnard are predatory and will hunt sprats, sandeels and small mackerel and herring. They will also opportunistically feed on marine worms and crustaceans and scavenge on dead fish found on the seabed.
- Scientific name: Eutrigla gurnardus.
- UK shore caught record: 1lb 10oz.
- UK minimum size: 9ins/23cm.
