Fin's Fish Guide
The Bearded flyingfish (Cheilopogon cyanopterus) is a saltwater fish of the family Exocoetidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The margined flyingfish is a large flyingfish of the family Exocoetidae found worldwide in warm oceans. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with greatly enlarged, wing-like pectoral fins with a dark margin and a deeply forked tail with an extended lower lobe. It inhabits both neritic and oceanic surface waters. By building up speed with a rapidly beating tail it can leap from the water and glide considerable distances above the surface to escape predators. As an omnivore it feeds on zooplankton. It is an important prey for tuna and dolphinfishes and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bearded flyingfish?
The Bearded flyingfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Greatly enlarged, dark-edged pectoral fins; can glide long distances above the water.
Where does the Bearded flyingfish live?
The Bearded flyingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Worldwide in warm oceans; coastal and oceanic surface water.
How big does the Bearded flyingfish get?
The Bearded flyingfish grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Bearded flyingfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Bearded flyingfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bearded flyingfish edible?
The Bearded 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 Cheilopogon
More from the family Exocoetidae
Want the complete picture on the Bearded flyingfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bearded flyingfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.