Flying Fish

Flying fish are amazing ocean fish that can glide through the air. They launch themselves out of the water to escape predators. Their large pectoral fins spread out like wings. Flying fish can glide for hundreds of feet above the ocean surface.

Taking Flight

Flying fish swim fast toward the surface and leap into the air. They spread their large side fins like wings. Their lower tail fin vibrates in the water to give extra speed. A flying fish can glide for over 650 feet and reach heights of about 4 feet above the water.

Life in the Ocean

When not flying, these fish live in warm ocean waters around the world. They eat plankton and small sea creatures. Flying fish are hunted by dolphins, tuna, and marlins. Their ability to fly helps them escape these predators, at least for a moment.

Fun Facts

• Flying fish can glide through the air for over 650 feet.
• They can reach speeds of about 35 miles per hour when launching out of the water.
• Some flying fish have four wings instead of two.

Did You Know?

The flying fish is the national symbol of Barbados! The island was once called the 'Land of the Flying Fish' because so many of them lived in its waters.