CQUniversity researcher Dr Alison Jones has spotted and filmed an extremely rare Purple Flying Gurnard fish (otherwise known as Dactyloptena orientalis) off the coast east of Yeppoon.

Also known as the Indo-Pacific Flying Gurnard, Oriental Helmet Gurnard or the Oriental Searobin, the Gurnard has huge wing-like pectoral fins covered with dark spots and wavy lines.

Each fin ray has feeler-like extensions that give the impression of fingers. The pectoral fins are usually held against the sides of the body. When the fish is disturbed, it quickly expands its pectoral fins, often retracting them before swimming off at speed.

Despite its common name, the Purple Flying Gurnard does not fly but can 'walk' on the bottom by alternatively moving its pelvic fins and short pectoral fin rays.

The Australian Museum has officially recorded a few sightings of the Purple Flying Gurnard, one at North West Reef and two at One Tree Island, but its distribution ranges from Western Australia to northern NSW.