Facts about Flying Fish
Flying fish do not actually fly but they have immense capabality of jumping out of the water and gliding through the air over considerable distances. Two-winged flying fish have exceptionally large pectoral fins that they spread out like wings during gliding flights. In addition to huge pectoral fins, four-winged flying fish also have enlarged pelvic fins used for gliding. Flying fish use their unusual flying talent to escape predators such as swordfish, tunas, and other larger fishes. In preparation for flight, flying fish swim quickly towards the water's surface and leap out of the water. Once they are out of the water, the fish use their large wing-like fins and the large lower lobe of their tail to glide through the air. The enlarged lower lobe of the tail acts like an outboard motor, the speedy sideways motion of the tail allows the fish to gain height from the surface of the water, and extend the flight time. Fish can glide as far as 100 metres and as high as one metre above the surface of the water, but most flights are shorter. They average 7 to 12 in. (17.5—30 cm) in length. The California flying fish is the largest, measuring 18 in.(45 cm) in length. |
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