flying fish (redirected from Execoetidae)

flying fish, common name for members of the Exocoetidae, a family of carnivorous or herbivorous fish of warmer seas. Flying fishes usually swim in schools. They average 7 to 12 in. (17.5–30 cm) in length and have pectoral fins that compare in size with the wings of birds; in some species the pelvic fins also are enlarged. Of the latter type, best known in Atlantic waters are the four-winged flying fish and the bearded flying fish, named for the long barbels around the mouths of the young. The young of many species of flying fishes resemble blossoms of the plant Baringtonia and are thus protected from predators. The California flying fish (Cypselurus californicus), the largest (up to 18 in./45 cm) of the family, is common in the Pacific; the black-winged flying fish is found in both oceans. Flying fishes generally do not actually fly, but glide on their outstretched fins for distances of up to 1-4 mi (0.4 km). Their velocity (up to 30 mi/48 km per hour) builds as they approach the water's surface until they launch themselves into the air, vibrating their specially adapted tail fins in order to taxi along the surface. The flying gurnard of the South Atlantic has enormous pectorals and makes short leaps clear of the water. A 3-in. (7.5 cm) characin of the Amazon basin actually flies short distances by buzzing its winglike fins. Flying fishes are excellent food; their aerial talents help them to avoid the tuna, mackerel, and dolphins that prey on them. Flying fishes are classified in the phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, class Osteichthyes, order Beloniformes, family Exocoetidae.

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flying fish

Any of about 40 species of oceanic fishes (family Exocoetidae). They are found worldwide in warm waters and are noted for their ability to “fly.” All species are less than 18 in. (45 cm) long and have winglike, rigid fins and an unevenly forked tail. Two-winged species have only the pectoral fins enlarged; four-winged species have both the pectoral and the pelvic fins enlarged. Rather than flying, they actually glide after jumping from the water. They can make several consecutive glides; the strongest fliers can travel as much as 600 ft (180 m) in a single glide, and compound glides may cover 1,300 ft (400 m). The behaviour is primarily a means of escaping predators.

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flying fish

any marine teleost fish of the family Exocoetidae, common in warm and tropical seas, having enlarged winglike pectoral fins used for gliding above the surface of the water

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flying fish [¦flī·iŋ ¦fish]

(vertebrate zoology)

Any of about 65 species of marine fishes which form the family Exocoetidae in the order Atheriniformes; characteristic enlarged pectoral fins are used for gliding.

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Flying Fish [¦flī·iŋ ¦fish]

(astronomy)

Volan