Fin's Fish Guide
The Black-finned flying-fish (Hirundichthys speculiger) is a saltwater fish of the family Exocoetidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The mirrorwing flyingfish is a flyingfish (Exocoetidae) from the warm parts of the world ocean. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a slender, silvery body with greatly enlarged, wing-like pectoral fins. When threatened it shoots out of the water and glides on these 'wings' for tens of metres through the air to escape predators. It lives at the surface of the open ocean and feeds on zooplankton. It spawns year-round in warm water; the eggs have sticky filaments with which they attach to floating material. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-finned flying-fish?
The Black-finned flying-fish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Greatly enlarged wing-like pectoral fins for gliding tens of metres through the air.
Where does the Black-finned flying-fish live?
The Black-finned flying-fish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Warm parts of the world ocean; surface waters.
How big does the Black-finned flying-fish get?
The Black-finned flying-fish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Black-finned flying-fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Black-finned flying-fish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black-finned flying-fish edible?
Yes, the Black-finned flying-fish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Black-finned flying-fish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hirundichthys
More from the family Exocoetidae
Want the complete picture on the Black-finned flying-fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black-finned flying-fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.