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Bigwing flyingfish (Prognichthys glaphyrae) — Exocoetidae

Bigwing flyingfish

Prognichthys glaphyrae
Family: Exocoetidae

The Bigwing flyingfish (Prognichthys glaphyrae) is a saltwater fish of the family Exocoetidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20.1 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–? m
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Bermuda

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Description

The Bigwing flyingfish is a flyingfish (Exocoetidae) from warm surface waters of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a slender, torpedo-shaped, blue-silver body with greatly enlarged pectoral fins and an unequal, deeply forked tail. To escape predators it shoots out of the water and glides on its 'wings' for tens of metres over the waves. As a schooling fish of the upper layer it eats zooplankton and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bigwing flyingfish?

The Bigwing flyingfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly blue.

Where does the Bigwing flyingfish live?

The Bigwing flyingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. North America: Bermuda

How big does the Bigwing flyingfish get?

The Bigwing flyingfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Bigwing flyingfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bigwing 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Bigwing flyingfish sourced
Scientific name
Prognichthys glaphyrae
Family
Exocoetidae
Other names
Gyre flyingfish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.1 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Bermuda sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Prognichthys

More from the family Exocoetidae

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