Have you ever wondered if there are fish that can soar through the air like birds? Believe it or not, there are several species of fish that have evolved the ability to glide above the water’s surface for various reasons. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of flying fish and discover 14 incredible species that can take to the skies.
1. Cypselurus Callopterus
The Cypselurus Callopterus, also known as the Ornate Flyingfish, is a beautiful species that can be found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean. These fish have elongated pectoral fins that allow them to glide through the air for distances of up to 200 meters (656 feet). They often leap out of the water to escape predators or to attract potential mates.
2. Exocoetus Monocirrhus
The Exocoetus Monocirrhus, or the Barbel Flyingfish, is another fascinating species that can be found in the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. These fish have a unique appearance, with long, whisker-like barbels on their lower jaws. They use their enlarged pectoral fins to glide through the air, often reaching heights of up to 6 meters (20 feet) above the water’s surface.
3. Hirundichthys Affinis
The Hirundichthys Affinis, commonly known as the Fourwing Flyingfish, is a species that can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. As their name suggests, these fish have four wing-like fins that allow them to glide through the air for distances of up to 100 meters (328 feet). They are known to reach speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour (43 miles per hour) during their aerial adventures.
4. Cheilopogon Melanurus
The Cheilopogon Melanurus, or the Atlantic Flyingfish, is a species that can be found in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. These fish have elongated pectoral fins that allow them to glide through the air for distances of up to 50 meters (164 feet). They are known to leap out of the water to escape predators such as dolphins, tuna, and marlin.
5. Cypselurus Naresii
The Cypselurus Naresii, also known as the Clearwing Flyingfish, is a species that can be found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. These fish have clear, wing-like pectoral fins that allow them to glide through the air for distances of up to 100 meters (328 feet). They often leap out of the water in large groups, creating a spectacular aerial display.
6. Fodiator Acutus
The Fodiator Acutus, or the Sharpchin Flyingfish, is a species that can be found in the warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. These fish have elongated pectoral fins and a sharp, pointed chin that gives them their common name. They are known to glide through the air for distances of up to 50 meters (164 feet) to escape predators or to attract mates.
7. Parexocoetus Brachypterus
The Parexocoetus Brachypterus, commonly known as the Sailfin Flyingfish, is a species that can be found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. These fish have enlarged pectoral fins that resemble sails, allowing them to glide through the air for distances of up to 100 meters (328 feet). They often leap out of the water in large groups, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
8. Prognichthys Gibbifrons
The Prognichthys Gibbifrons, or the Bluntnose Flyingfish, is a species that can be found in the warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. These fish have a distinctive blunt snout and elongated pectoral fins that allow them to glide through the air for distances of up to 50 meters (164 feet). They are known to leap out of the water to escape predators or to attract potential mates.
9. Exocoetus Obtusirostris
The Exocoetus Obtusirostris, commonly known as the Oceanic Two-wing Flyingfish, is a species that can be found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. These fish have two enlarged pectoral fins that allow them to glide through the air for distances of up to 200 meters (656 feet). They are known to reach heights of up to 6 meters (20 feet) above the water’s surface during their aerial adventures.
10. Cypselurus Oligolepis
The Cypselurus Oligolepis, or the Smallscale Flyingfish, is a species that can be found in the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. These fish have elongated pectoral fins and relatively small scales compared to other flyingfish species. They are known to glide through the air for distances of up to 50 meters (164 feet) to escape predators or to attract mates.
11. Hirundichthys Speculiger
The Hirundichthys Speculiger, commonly known as the Mirrorwing Flyingfish, is a species that can be found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. These fish have enlarged pectoral fins with a mirror-like appearance, which gives them their common name. They are known to glide through the air for distances of up to 100 meters (328 feet) and reach heights of up to 6 meters (20 feet) above the water’s surface.
12. Cheilopogon Furcatus
The Cheilopogon Furcatus, or the Spotfin Flyingfish, is a species that can be found in the warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. These fish have elongated pectoral fins with distinct dark spots, which gives them their common name. They are known to glide through the air for distances of up to 50 meters (164 feet) to escape predators or to attract potential mates.
13. Cypselurus Comatus
The Cypselurus Comatus, commonly known as the Clearwing Flyingfish, is a species that can be found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean. These fish have elongated, clear pectoral fins that allow them to glide through the air for distances of up to 100 meters (328 feet). They often leap out of the water in large groups, creating a mesmerizing aerial display.
14. Exocoetus Volitans
Image Credit: KatyKreates via MidJourney
The Exocoetus Volitans, or the Tropical Two-wing Flyingfish, is a species that can be found in the warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. These fish have two enlarged pectoral fins that allow them to glide through the air for distances of up to 200 meters (656 feet). They are known to reach heights of up to 6 meters (20 feet) above the water’s surface during their aerial adventures.
Becky is a fervent wildlife enthusiast and pet care expert with a diploma in canine nutrition. Her love for animals stretches beyond the domestic, embracing the wild tapestry of global fauna. With over a decade of experience in animal welfare, Becky lends her expertise to OutlandishOwl through insightful articles, captivating wildlife information, and invaluable guidance on pet nutrition. Her work embodies a deep commitment to understanding the intricate lives of animals and a passion for educating others on sustaining natural habitats. Becky's hands-on conservation efforts and her knack for translating complex dietary science into practical pet feeding tips make her an indispensable voice for creatures great and small.
