Eutrigla gurnardus
Distinguishing features
The grey gurnard has a slim, tapered body with the typical gurnard hard head and feeler like pectoral fin rays. The lateral line has a series of bony knobs along its length. The pectoral fin is comparatively short and doesn’t reach the vent. There is a darkish blotch on the first dorsal. While it is generally a grey or brownish grey colour it’s not unusual for the back and sides to have pinkish hue. The ventral side is a dullish white.
Size
The grey gurnard can grow to a length of 45 cm and a weight of around 1.2 kg.
British Record Fish List
UK Shore Record: 1lb 10oz 8dms / 0.751kgs
UK Boat Record: 2lb 7oz 8dms / 1.120kgs
Habitat
Found on similar ground to the red gurnard but prefers depths of 20 to 50 metres. It also ranges further north than the red gurnard. Although a bottom feeder it will range through the lower water column and occasionally into mid-water.
Food
Feeds mainly on small shrimps, crustacean bottom living fishes and sandeels.
Bait
Small fish baits are the most effective for targeting this species.
Lures
The grey gurnard will take small plastic eels and sabiki style lures.
