| any marine fish of the family Dactylopteridae, esp. Dactylopterus volitans, having greatly enlarged, colorful pectoral fins that enable it to glide short distances through the air. |
| flying gurnard n. Any of various chiefly tropical marine fishes of the family Dactylopteridae, having greatly enlarged, winglike pectoral fins that facilitate gliding through the water. |
flying gurnard
any of a small group of marine fish comprising the family Dactylopteridae (or Cephalacanthidae) and the order Dactylopteriformes (sometimes placed in Scorpaeniformes). Flying gurnards are similar to the sea robins, or gurnards (family Triglidae, order Scorpaeniformes), and are sometimes considered as relatives of that group (see sea robin).
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