The Longfin Gurnard – Chelidonichthys obscurus is a species of fish belonging to the Triglidae family. This fish is commonly found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, primarily inhabiting the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Description & Characteristics
The Longfin Gurnard – Chelidonichthys obscurus is characterized by its distinctive elongated pectoral fins, giving it its common name. These fins are longer than its body, reaching a maximum size of 50.5 cm. It is distinguished by its brownish-red coloration, often with darker blotches or spots across its body.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Longfin Gurnard – Chelidonichthys obscurus is a demersal fish, meaning it prefers to live on the seabed. It can be found at depths ranging from 20 to 170 meters, inhabiting a variety of marine environments. Its distribution is primarily within the Northeastern Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterranean Sea. This makes it a common sight in these regions, particularly within the continental shelf and slope areas.
Taxonomy
The species Chelidonichthys obscurus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Triglidae. This classification places it within the broader group of bony fishes, specifically among the perch-like fishes, further categorized within the family of gurnards.
Feeding
The Longfin Gurnard – Chelidonichthys obscurus is a carnivorous fish, exhibiting a diverse diet. Its feeding habits include consuming a variety of invertebrates and small fish, such as: algae, amphipods, clams, copepods, crabs, crustaceans, fish (little fishes), krill, lobster, mantis shrimps, mysis, rock shrimps, shrimps, snails, starfishs, worms, and zoobenthos. This wide range of prey reflects its adaptability to different environments and food sources within its habitat.
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