Copius
Gurnard, drawn for Copius

Gurnard

Grondin

Latin nameChelidonichthys lucerna
FamilyFish & seafood
OriginEastern Atlantic & Mediterranean
Season (France)October – March
FlavourSweet · Marine · Mild · Meaty
Typical price (France)6–12 €/kg

What it is

It grunts audibly when landed, using its swim bladder — which is where both names come from, grondin from gronder, to growl. Long dismissed as bycatch, it is one of the essential fish of a real bouillabaisse.

In the kitchen

Mind the spines on the head and gill covers — they are genuinely sharp. Ask the fishmonger to trim them.

Goes with

Saffron Fennel Tomato Garlic Olive oil Potato Orange Thyme

In season alongside

Abalone European conger Haddock Hake John Dory Monkfish

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