Phylum: Chordata
Scientific name: Exocoetidae
Common name: Flying fish
3 fun facts
1) Evolved ability to escape from predators
2) 40 different types of flying fish
3) Can glide up to around 655 feet
Scientific name: Exocoetidae
Common name: Flying fish
3 fun facts
1) Evolved ability to escape from predators
2) 40 different types of flying fish
3) Can glide up to around 655 feet
Flying Fish - National Geographic
Modern flying fish we see today started developing around 66 million years ago. They were first sighted during their migration off thecoast of Barbados. Small objects off on the horizon were spotted propelling themselves out of the water to sail gracefully along the surface.
Today, we know of around 40 unique species of flying fish which are classified as a bony fish that some can even grow up to 18 inches long. With the fish's narrow caudal peduncle and their caudal fin is a crescent shape, it allows them to act like a torpedo. Speaking of which, some missile designs were even based on these fish characteristics. But, the secret to these flying fish is their wings. This ability to glide above the water allows them to escape many predators they encounter, such as marlin, tuna, or swordfish. This isn’t always an advantage however as it makes it easier for birds to spot them from the sky. Flying fish can be found around the oceans but prefer warm subtropical waters. Since they are omnivores, they eat particularly small organisms like plankton, bacteria, and sometimes crustaceans. When it comes to reproduction, females lay eggs with a sticky filament to attach to floating debris and plants. When the babies hatch they have whiskers that help them disguise themselves as plants to help camouflage and hide from predators. For the flying fish to fly, they need to travel around 40 miles per hour underwater. As it breaks the surface, it uses its tail for a last second push to propel itself up. Then it springs itself into the air where it can get about 4 ft high but then can glide for up to 1,312 feet into the air. http://www.loyno.edu/lucec/natural-history-writings/flying-fish-missiles-sea https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_fish https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Fish/Flying-Fish https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/group/flying-fish/ |