The unique-looking fish are bottom dwellers and reside in temperate oceans. Otherwise known as a gurnard, the fish is frequently caught by anglers. Despite its appearance, the sea robin is valuable to anglers and commercial fishers. When targeting gurnards, soak mackerel chunks on the seafloor of bays. Read more to learn about the sea robin. 

Where Are Sea Robin Found On The East Coast Of The United States

The fish is unlikely to be encountered in the Carolinas and Georgia as Cape Hatteras is the most southern range.

On the northern end, the gurnard is caught up through Massachusets. They are found on soft sand bottoms in shallow waters. When hooked, the fish is not know for an overly exciting fight. The sea robin lacks power and is reeled in with ease.

How Do You Identify A Sea Robin

A sea robin is easily distinguishable, look for these characteristics. The head of the fish appears as if it is a modern-day battle tank due to the armor and shape. 

The fish is brown, with a notable black line extending from the head to the tail. However, the most striking feature is the pectoral fins which appear as bird’s wings. 

Gurnards are frequently caught between 12 and 17 inches and weigh between 1 and 4 pounds. However. don’t be surprised to catch a sea robin baby. We have caught fully grown and baby sea robin fish on the northeast coast.

Are Sea Robins Invasive

Gurnards are commonly known as bait stealers. The fish becomes a nuisance to flounder anglers fishing along the bottom; but when asked are sea robins invasive they are not considered an invasive species.

Gurnards populations are robust and are frequently used by lobster fishermen in lobster traps. However, don’t assume that the fish should be tossed on land or in the boat and left to die because of their appearance. The gurnard is not invasive and must be released unless it will be used as a food source. 

Can Sea Robins Fly

Unlike the flying fish found in the open waters of the Atlantic, gurnards cannot fly despite the large fan-sized pectoral fins. 

Rather than utilizing the pectoral fins for flight, the fish uses the massive fins to locate food along the seafloor. The fish consumes crustaceans and mollusks. In addition to assisting with finding food, the wings are spread when threatened. Lastly, the wings assist in rapidly moving the fish out of harm’s way by the rapid motion created. 

Converse to flying, the fish buries itself in the mud with only the eyes peering out instead of taking flight. 

Can A Sea Robin Make Sound

In addition to the unique wings, gurnards are capable of producing audible sounds. The sounds are created via the swim bladder. 

The combination of sound and disturbing appearance causes fear in anglers who have never encountered the fish. Listen to the sound emitted by sea robins. 

Are Sea Robins Venemous

The question is often asked are sea robins poisonous? Yes, the gurnard is poisonous. Six sharp barbs extend from both the wings in addition to the gill plates. Sea Robin poison is emitted from the barbs and capable of injecting a mild poison into the hands of unsuspecting anglers. 

Fortunately, minimal pain is noticeable at the point of contact for two to three days. To avoid being stung, wear thick gloves when handling the fish or lip the fish. Lipping the fish is placing your thumb in its mouth for a firm grip.

Can You Eat Sea Robins

Despite the appearance, the fillets of sea robins are excellent. Both the flounder and the gurnard are bottom fish and share a similar taste. The answer is yes to can you eat sea robin.

The fillets are mild and white; however, the sea robins fillets are firm, unlike the flounder. Preparing firm fillets is more straightforward because the meat does not crumble easily during the cooking process. 

Anglers prepare the fish by broiling, sauteeing, or deep frying. However, the fillets are an excellent addition to ceviche. 

The Sea Robin Is Unique And Tasty

Despite the initial thoughts, the next time you come across a sea robin fish, you will have a new opinion. Not only are the fish not invasive, but they make for excellent table fare. Unfortunately, they are a rare catch in Georiga, South Carolina, and North Carolina. However, in the event, you come across a gurnard, handle the fish cautiously to avoid becoming stung when handling a baby sea robin or fully grown sea robin.Â