Flying Gurnard Fin Hydrodynamics

[klausi]

A new video of mine with a flying gurnard, filmed in Zamboanguita, Philippines. Plus, hydrodynamic speculation about the role of its unusual fins. I am proposing that they act as "wings", just like the "wings" of much larger manta rays do, because the gurnard is so close to the boundary layer. Does this make sense? Feedback appreciated!

I was very happy to find two of these on a single dive, they are rare even in muck diving central southern Negros Island.

 

[WeRtheOcean]

I take it these are variable in color (as is the case with many fishes), or perhaps at different life stages.

 

[klausi]

Yes, the markings change between juveniles and adults, I am not sure about geographic variations, not unlikely.

I take it these are variable in color (as is the case with many fishes), or perhaps at different life stages.