Fin's Fish Guide
The Flyingfish (Cypselurus poecilopterus) is a saltwater fish of the family Exocoetidae that grows up to 27 cm.
Description
The yellowwing flyingfish is a flyingfish from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 27 cm and has a streamlined, blue-silver body with greatly enlarged, yellowish and dark-mottled pectoral fins that work like wings. When threatened it shoots out of the water and glides over the surface to escape predators. It schools at the surface of open water and feeds on small zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans and is a local bait fish. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Flyingfish?
The Flyingfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a spots pattern. Yellow-and-dark spotted wing fins; glides over the water surface
Where does the Flyingfish live?
The Flyingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Flyingfish get?
The Flyingfish grows to a maximum of about 27 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Flyingfish dangerous to humans?
No, the 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.
Is the Flyingfish edible?
The Flyingfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cypselurus
More from the family Exocoetidae
Want the complete picture on the Flyingfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Flyingfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.