Fin's Fish Guide
The Bandwing flyingfish (Cheilopogon exsiliens) is a saltwater fish of the family Exocoetidae that grows up to 30 cm.
North America: Antigua Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Brazil, Belize and others
Description
The Bandwing flyingfish is a flyingfish (Exocoetidae) from the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a streamlined, silver-blue body with strongly enlarged, wing-like pectoral fins. When threatened it shoots out of the water and glides over the surface to escape predators. As a schooling open-water fish it eats zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bandwing flyingfish?
The Bandwing flyingfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly blue.
Where does the Bandwing flyingfish live?
The Bandwing flyingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. North America: Antigua Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Brazil, Belize and others
How big does the Bandwing flyingfish get?
The Bandwing flyingfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Bandwing flyingfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Bandwing flyingfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Bandwing flyingfish edible?
The Bandwing flyingfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Bandwing flyingfish and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Bandwing flyingfish?
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cheilopogon
More from the family Exocoetidae
Want the complete picture on the Bandwing flyingfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bandwing flyingfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.