Native to the East Coast of the US, this fish hangs around bays and inlets. The Sea Robins are a collection of saltwater fish that typically grow to about a foot long, and commonly used as bait fish because of they’re reputation as bait stealers and abundance. 

This fish gets its name from the orange coloration on the belly of some types of them, and the bird-like wings for fins these fish possess.

What makes this fish unusual though, is that it has six spiny legs that it uses to walk around the seafloor. These legs also help it locate food along the sand. The fish also has a pair of ‘wings’ it uses to glide through the water.

This fish croaks like a frog when threatened. The Sea Robin has a wide range of noises it can create, using a muscle to drum its swim bladder to create those sounds. 

The Sea Robin has poisonous spines and hard plates covering its body, making it hard to handle. The poison in the spiny fins is considered mild, but caution should be taken handling this species. 

Recently, this fish is starting to gain popularity as food. While the Sea Robin does not have the best taste, it can be prepared in meals that still taste great. Sea Robins are being looked to for food as more popular fish species are declining in populations due to overfishing. 

Sources: 

Scientific American: 

https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/artful-amoeba/these-fins-are-made-for-walking/

NJ Salt Fish: http://njsaltfish.com/index.php/sea-robin.html

The Spruce Pets: https://www.thesprucepets.com/facts-about-the-flying-gurnard-dactyloptena-orientalis-2925141#:~:text=It%20walks%20along%20the%20bottom,%2C%20short%2C%20%22flights.%22

Asbury Park Press: https://www.app.com/story/sports/outdoors/fishing/hook-line-and-sinker/2015/07/09/fishing-sea-robin-croaks-noise-gentle/29937025/

OUACHITA Adventures: https://ouachitaadventures.com/can-you-eat-a-sea-robin/