Flying fish Exocoetidae

Exocoetidae is a family of fish commonly referred to as flying fish. And for good reason, because these fish are able to jump out of the water and glide over its surface with the help of their impressive pectoral fins. Thanks to the streamlined torpedo-shaped body, the fish can gain enough speed under water to then break out to the surface and rise into the air and glide with the help of large, wing-like fins for quite long distances.

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1. Usually the trajectory of their “flights” is about 50 meters, but there have been cases when flying fish have covered distances of 200 meters or more. Some species of these fish have elongated ventral and pectoral fins, which allow them to glide further than flying squirrels (up to 400 meters). In addition, they have excellent maneuverability. Such fish are called four-winged.

2. To emerge from the water, the fish waves its tail about 70 times per second. She then spreads her pectoral fins and tilts them slightly.

3. At the end of the "flight" she folds her pectoral fins to dive again, or lowers her tail into the water to rise for the next flight, possibly with a change in direction.

4. The curved shape of the "wing" of a flying fish is comparable to the aerodynamic shape of a bird's wing.

5. It is known that in order to increase the flight time, this fish can take advantage of vertical air currents.

6. It is believed that the unique ability to fly has developed in fish of the Exocoetidae family in order to avoid natural enemies, of which they have a lot.

7. Among the main predators that prey on flying fish are mackerel, tuna, swordfish, marlin and other large underwater inhabitants. Unfortunately, the flying maneuvers of the Exocoetidae fish are not enough to avoid the most dangerous predator on Earth - humans.

8. Flying fish are caught commercially in Asian countries such as Japan, Vietnam and China, as well as in the Caribbean, where they are considered a delicacy.

9. In Japanese cuisine, some types of sushi are prepared from this fish.

10. Flying fish is also regularly used in the cuisine of the Yami people in Taiwan.

11. In Barbados, flying fish were threatened by pollution and overfishing, causing their populations to plummet in the waters around the island.

12. This has created some fisheries disputes between Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.