(Rye - The Trondheim fjord / 22 meters / 11.16.2003)

Phylum: Chordata

Superclass: Gnathostomata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Scorpaeniformes

Family: Triglidae

Scientific name: Eutrigla gurnardus

 

Norwegian: knurr

Distribution: The grey gurnard is often seen walking on the three spines in front of its breast fins. It prefers sandy substrate, sometimes as deep as 150 meters. During the night it sometimes migrate up to the intertidal zone. It is common as far north as the Varanger fjord.

Characteristics: The distinct forehead gives the grey gurnard a characteristic, steep profile. The body is slender. It has a dark spot on the first dorsal fin. The second dorsal fin is long and almost rectangular shaped. The coloration is dominated by different shades of grey and brown. The grey gurnard may grow 50 cm in length and to a weight of 1.2 kg, but this is rare.

The grey gurnard is also known as Chelidonichthys gurnardus

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