Description: The tub gurnard is the largest of the European gurnards reaching a maximum length of 75cm, although most individuals are between 50-60cm. Like all gurnards it has a large head covered by protective bony plates, and the lower three rays of the pectoral fin are separate and fleshy. The colour can vary from bright red with pinkish mottling to yellowish-brown with darker brown or green mottling. The pectoral fins have brilliant peacock blue spots and outer rim. Unlike the red gurnard it does not have enlarged lateral line scales.

Habitat: The tub gurnard is usually found on mud or sandy seabeds from 2-20m depth. It mainly feeds on small fish e.g. sand eels, small flatfish, gobies, dragonets and also crabs and shrimps.

Distribution: This species is found all around the coasts of Britain and Ireland but like the red gurnard it is a relatively uncommon fish.

Similar Species: The tub gurnard may be confused with the red gurnard (Aspitrigla cuculus) and the grey gurnard (Eutrigla gurnardus) however the brilliant blue markings on the pectoral fins are characteristic of the tub gurnard.

Key Identification Features:

• Large head with bony plates and steep profile
• Pectoral fin has three finger-like feelers
• Brilliant blue markings on pectoral fins
• Does not have enlarged lateral line scales

Distribution Map from NBN: Trigla lucerna at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Trigla lucerna at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Trigla lucerna at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Chelidonichthys lucerna (Linnaeus, 1758). AphiaID: 127262.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Chordata; Vertebrata; Gnathostomata; Osteichthyes; Actinopterygii; Actinopteri; Teleostei; Perciformes; Scorpaenoidei; Triglidae; Trigla