Flying Gurnard

Dectylopterus volitans

Bottom feeding in areas of sea grass, sand and rubble.  Look in areas of fring reefs. These fish could be considered a transitional species because they "walk" around on finger-like spines on their ventral fins.  When threatened or alarmed, they will spred their pectoral fins and "fly" away.   They do not actually fly in the air.  Broad body bands mottled colors of grays, browns, yellowish with white (neon blue) spots.

These photos by William Doebler of Holland Michigan