Fin's Fish Guide
The Black wing flyingfish (Hirundichthys rondeletii) is a saltwater fish of the family Exocoetidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The blackwing flyingfish is a flyingfish of the family Exocoetidae found worldwide in warm oceans. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with greatly enlarged, wing-like pectoral fins and a deeply forked tail with an extended lower lobe. It inhabits open surface water and, by building up speed with a rapidly beating tail, can leap from the water and glide considerable distances above the surface to escape predators. As an omnivore it feeds on zooplankton. The species is an important prey for tuna, dolphinfishes and seabirds, and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black wing flyingfish?
The Black wing flyingfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Greatly enlarged, wing-like pectoral fins; can glide long distances above the water.
Where does the Black wing flyingfish live?
The Black wing flyingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Worldwide in warm oceans; open surface water.
How big does the Black wing flyingfish get?
The Black wing flyingfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Black wing flyingfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Black wing flyingfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black wing flyingfish edible?
The Black wing flyingfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Black wing flyingfish 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 wing flyingfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black wing flyingfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.