pelagic
Flyingfish
Exocoetidae family
Streamlined body, elongated and wing-like pectoral fins used for gliding above the water surface, unevenly forked caudal fin with a larger lower lobe, and iridescent silvery-blue coloration.
- Habitat
- Warm epipelagic waters of tropical and subtropical ocean…
- Size & weight
- Typically ranges from 15 to 30 centimeters in length, wi…
- Diet
- Plankton, microscopic crustaceans, and small organic par…
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Physical characteristics
Streamlined body, elongated and wing-like pectoral fins used for gliding above the water surface, unevenly forked caudal fin with a larger lower lobe, and iridescent silvery-blue coloration.
Habitat & distribution
Warm epipelagic waters of tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide, frequently found near the surface in open ocean and around island chains.
Behavior
Highly active near the surface, capable of launching themselves out of the water and gliding significant distances to evade aquatic predators, often attracted to artificial lights at night.
Diet
Plankton, microscopic crustaceans, and small organic particles gathered near the water surface primarily at night.
Reproduction
Oviparous broadcast spawners that release sticky eggs which attach to floating debris, sargassum weed, or coastal substrates.
Ecological role
Serves as an essential mid-trophic link in marine food webs, transferring energy from plankton to larger pelagic predators while also acting as predators of zooplankton themselves.
Similar species
Halfbeaks, which share elongated lower jaws and slender bodies but lack the greatly enlarged pectoral fins used for gliding.
Identification tips
Look for remarkably enlarged pectoral fins folded against the sides or extended like wings, a streamlined torpedo-shaped body, and a lower-heavy tail.
Interesting facts
Some species of flyingfish can achieve gliding distances of over 200 meters and reach speeds exceeding 60 kilometers per hour in the air.
Field notes
Fiji at night