MBL March Madness: Sea Robin

The sea robin (Prionotus carolinus) is named for its expanded pectoral fins that resemble bird wings. The first three fin rays separate from these wings during early sea robin development and can be used as “legs” to walk along the ocean floor. These “legs” also have sensory capabilities that allow the fish to find food. Sea robins have a distinctive “drumming muscle” that makes sounds by beating against its swim bladder. 

Scientists at the MBL are studying sea robins as a model for understanding the evolution of traits, including new modes of locomotion.

Fun Facts: 

• These fish often produce an audible "croak" like a frog when held out of the water, which is where their other common name (the gurnard) comes from.
• Three lower rays of the northern sea robin's pectoral fins are modified to allow the animals to "walk" along the bottom of the ocean and find food.
• The sea robin’s large, wing-like pectoral fins give it the appearance of “flying” underwater.