Fin's Fish Guide
The Barbel flyingfish (Exocoetus monocirrhus) is a saltwater fish of the family Exocoetidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Worldwide in tropical oceans, epipelagic in oceanic and neritic waters.
Description
The barbel flyingfish is a flyingfish (family Exocoetidae) occurring worldwide in tropical oceans. The species reaches about 20 cm and has a streamlined, blue-silvery body with greatly enlarged pectoral fins. It lives epipelagically in oceanic and coastal waters and, when escaping predators, can leap from the water and glide considerable distances above the surface. Its diet consists of zooplankton. Young fish bear a chin barbel, from which the species takes its name. The species is of modest commercial value and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barbel flyingfish?
The Barbel flyingfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Leaps out of the water and glides over the surface on large pectoral fins; juveniles carry a chin barbel.
Where does the Barbel flyingfish live?
The Barbel flyingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Worldwide in tropical oceans, epipelagic in oceanic and neritic waters.
How big does the Barbel flyingfish get?
The Barbel flyingfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Barbel flyingfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Barbel flyingfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Barbel flyingfish edible?
The Barbel flyingfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Exocoetus
More from the family Exocoetidae
Want the complete picture on the Barbel flyingfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barbel flyingfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.