Curiosities Of The Flying Fish
The flying fish is one of the many species that inhabit the marine world. Its unusual anatomy and its way of moving both in and out of the water, however, makes it one of the most curious marine animals. Next, we will tell you a little more about them.
What is a flying fish?
Flying fish belong to a large family of fish called Exocoteidae . Although they may seem like an exotic species, the truth is that this family includes more than 70 types of species.
Flying fish are no larger than 12 inches, and have a flatter pair of eyes than most other fish, which gives them an advantage in being able to see out of the water.
But it is enough to look at images of these fish to realize that they have two unmistakable morphological characteristics: a streamlined torpedo-shaped body and huge pectoral fins. There are species called ‘four-winged’, whose pelvic fins are also large.
These two elements will allow the flying fish to get out of the water at full speed and glide for several meters, with gliding records of 50 meters and up to 45 seconds.
Considering its small size, this ability to ‘fly’ goes beyond the jumps that other species of fish are capable of. The mechanism of this surprising technique, as we will see below, is based on the flapping of its fins.
How does the flying fish manage to plan?
The flying fish’s gliding process begins in the water. The flapping of its large pectoral fins – about 50 times per second – makes it reach speeds of up to 60 km / h.
Once that speed is reached, it begins to make its way to the surface, at which point it jumps into an airplane-like position just before take off. When it goes to the surface, it unfolds its pectoral fins, while the forked tail remains in the water moving quickly.
After this first impulse, the flying fish begins to ‘fly’ for several meters. When they are near the water again, the flying fish can flap their tails and continue to glide without needing to dive again.
On occasions, this magnificent marine spectacle that flying fish offer us has reached distances of almost 400 meters, in consecutive glides.
Several studies suggest that this surprising ability of flying fish has evolved and improved to be able to escape from its predators. These include tuna, mackerel or swordfish. Once airborne, they can also be preyed upon by birds larger than themselves.
Habitat and feeding of the flying fish
It prefers to live near the surface and in waters far from the coasts. We can find it in warm tropical and subtropical waters, especially in areas of the Caribbean and Latin America and other areas of the Atlantic. Its diet consists mainly of plankton, although it can also consume other small fish.
Fun facts
Like the animal itself, there are curious facts about the flying fish. Like many other marine animals, flying fish are especially attracted to light, a fact that fishing boats have taken advantage of. Using canoes or small boats with a sufficient amount of water to keep the fish alive, they set up a light as a lure and leave them overnight so that the fish jumps into the boat but cannot get out again.
Without a doubt, these fish are one of the most curious and interesting marine animals. Seeing them in action flying over the sea is one of those moments that should be witnessed at least once in a lifetime.
