Fin's Fish Guide
The Bony flyingfish (Hirundichthys oxycephalus) is a saltwater fish of the family Exocoetidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Description
The bony flyingfish is a flyingfish (Exocoetidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches about 18 cm and has a streamlined, silvery-blue body with greatly enlarged pectoral fins that serve as wings and a forked tail whose lower lobe is longer. It lives in surface waters near the coast and forms schools. When fleeing predators the species can leap from the water and glide long distances over the surface with its wing-like pectoral fins. The diet consists of zooplankton. The species is eaten locally.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bony flyingfish?
The Bony flyingfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Enlarged, wing-shaped pectoral fins; can leap out of the water and glide long distances.
Where does the Bony flyingfish live?
The Bony flyingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Indo-West Pacific, in surface waters near the coast.
How big does the Bony flyingfish get?
The Bony flyingfish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 13 cm.
Is the Bony flyingfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Bony flyingfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bony flyingfish edible?
The Bony flyingfish is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Bony flyingfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bony flyingfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Bony flyingfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bony flyingfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.