Sunday, September 16, 2012

Sea Butterfly

Habitat: Northwest Pacific: southern Hokkaido, Japan southward to the South China Sea

The Red Gurnard (Chelidonichthys spinosus) is one of 100 different species of Sea Robins, or Gurnards. These fantastic fish are normally found on the sea floor at depths of around 660 ft. They have a special set of 'wings,' which are actually just beautiful pectoral fins, that allow them to "fly" through the water. They also possess six spiny feet that allow them to walk across the ocean floor in search of food.
[Image source: suityu-sukima.sakura.ne.jp]