Fin's Fish Guide
The Flying fish (Fodiator acutus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Exocoetidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The sharpchin flyingfish is a flying fish of the family Exocoetidae from tropical seas. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with large, wing-like pectoral fins and a pointed lower jaw, to which the name refers. It lives neritically and epipelagically at the surface of open coastal and ocean waters. When threatened it shoots out of the water and glides on its spread pectoral fins tens of metres through the air to evade predatory fish. As a plankton feeder it feeds on small zooplankton. As an abundant prey fish it is important in the food web and harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Flying fish?
The Flying fish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large, wing-like pectoral fins for gliding out of the water and evading predators; pointed lower jaw.
Where does the Flying fish live?
The Flying fish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Tropical seas; surface of open coastal and oceanic waters.
How big does the Flying fish get?
The Flying fish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Flying fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Flying fish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Flying fish edible?
The Flying fish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Fodiator
More from the family Exocoetidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Flying fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.