What Are Flying Fish?

Flying fish live in tropical waters. There are over 50 species. The largest are around 45 cm in length, but they usually are around 30 cm.  A strange sight, the fish have fins that are shaped like butterfly wings. Species may have two or four 'wings'.

Unlike birds or butterflies, the 'wings' do not vibrate. Instead, when the fish leaps into the air, the fins, or 'wings' spread out and allow the fish to glide. The motion is similar to the movement of flying squirrels and lizards. The purpose of the wings is to allow the fish to escape predators. Flying fish usually feed on plankton.

The fish's flight is a fascinating manoeuvre.  Like a plane taking off, the fish swims rapidly close to the surface of the water, before spreading its wings and launching into the air. The fish leaves the water completely and often glides for 30 to 50 metres. Incredibly, flying fish have been observed gliding over the ocean for hundreds of metres by using the updraft from waves. They can 'fly' at speeds of 60 km/hour.

There are no flying fish, they only appear to fly, they jump out of the water and soar, or glide before entering the water again. They do not fly but it can seem like they do.

Fish that can jump but not fly