The fish with the insect-like legs 😂

source

Time for another strange animal, and this one is pretty creepy if you ask me!

Let's first begin with the video that introduced me to the species:

(Video maybe unavailable for direct watch, click here to open on YouTube directly)

Just look at those disgusting insect like legs on the front that help it walk. And those beautiful pectoral fins that make it look like a butterfly 🦋

So, what is it?

The fish you just witnessed is commonly known as the red gurnard or the more fitting... Butterfly of the sea.

Scientifically described as Chelidonichthys cuculus, the species occurs in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, in depths ranging from 15 to 400 m. That's 49 to 1,312 ft in case you are a retard unfamiliar with the metric system.

Their maximum recorded length is 70 cm although typical catches are more in the 20 cm range.

But what's the deal with those creepy leg things?

Well, they are not legs. And they only give the impression of walking. In reality they are modified fin rays with chemoreceptors that help them feel and taste the sea bottom for stuff to eat, like crustaceans and worms.

As for the beautiful pectoral fins that look like "wings", they are used for defence and in courtship.

Another fun fact about them is that they are known to produce frog like sounds! 🐸

All in all this is a very interesting species other that its looks, I will leave some links at the end of the post if you want to learn more.

Before closing though, I will answer the question you probably have. Yes,they are edible!

While gurnard is not as strong as fish such as salmon or mackerel, for example, it does have a unique and tangible flavour. Its meaty texture holds a delicate flavour with residual earthy undertones. source

Here are some tips on how to prepare one 😂😂😂😂

References & Further Reading

• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_gurnard
• https://www.soleshare.net/gurnard#:~:text=The%20gurnard%20is%20an%20exceptionally,around%20for%20things%20to%20eat.

Posted with STEMGeeks