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Flying fish Facts

Flying fish Facts
Flying fish is one of the most interesting types of fish due to its ability to glide through the air. There are 40 different species of flying fish that can be found in all oceans of the world. They prefer tropical and subtropical water of Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean. Flying fish are especially abundant in the Caribbean Sea. Barbados was known as the "The land of flying fish" in the past. Flying fish are often hunted by fisherman. Luckily their number in the wild is still stable and they are not listed as endangered species.
Interesting Flying fish Facts:
Size of flying fish depends on the species. They are usually 7 to 12 inches long.
Upper side of the body of flying fish is bluish-grey. Their belly is grayish-silver. Flying fish has forked tail. Lower piece of the tail is longer than upper piece.
Pectoral fins of flying fish can be spread into wing-like shape. Certain species have pelvic fins shaped like wings also, and they look like they have two pairs of wings.
Flying fish are shaped like torpedo. Their fins are closed when they swim to ensure faster movement through the water.
Before it emerges above the water, flying fish accelerates toward the surface of the water with the speed of 37 miles per hour. When required speed is accomplished, flying fish jumps out of the water and spreads its wings.
Flying fish can reach the height of 4 feet in the air, and glide distance of 655 feet before returning back to the water.
Flying fish can travel distances of 1.312 feet without rest. This is important because it ensures quick escape from predators.
Main predators of flying fish are marlin, tuna, swordfish, mackerel and humans.
Flying fish swims in large schools (groups). This feature is especially appreciated by fishermen that can catch large number of fish when they bump into a single school.
Flying fish are very sensitive and easily attracted by the light (fishermen use light to guide flying fish toward their ships). Despite that fact, flying fish hunts mainly during the night.
Flying fish eats plankton, bacteria and other tiny marine creatures.
Mating season of flying fish takes place when the ocean currents are the weakest. Depending on the ocean, it can be during the spring of autumn.
Flying fish live in large groups and their number can exceed million individuals during the mating season. Females deposit large number of eggs near the surface of the water.
Eggs are usually attached to the floating debris. Young flying fish have whiskers near the mouths, and they look like the underwater plants. This appearance ensures survival during the first few days of life, when the youngsters are the most vulnerable.
Average lifespan of flying fish is around 5 years in the wild.


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