The common helmet gurnard goes by many common names, from Flying Gurnard, Oriental Helmet Gurnard, Purple flying gurnard as well as Brown flying gurnard, helmet gurnard and flying gurnard. This is where scientific names come in handy. Its scientific name is Dactyloptena orientalis.
The common helmet gurnard is easily recognised by its huge pectoral fins. They have feeler-like leading rays and extensions from each fin ray.
When the fish is spooked, it quickly expands its pectoral fins, often retracting them before swimming off at speed. The Flying Gurnard lives in a number of different habitats including estuaries, coastal bays and deep sandy areas.
It occurs from East Africa to Polynesia including Australia.