Fin's Fish Guide
The Sharpchin flyingfish (Fodiator rostratus) is a saltwater fish of the family Exocoetidae that grows up to 19 cm.
Description
The sharpnose flyingfish is a flying fish of the family Exocoetidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 19 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with large, wing-like pectoral fins and a pointed snout, to which the name refers. It lives epipelagically and neritically, usually at the surface of warm coastal waters. When threatened it shoots out of the water and glides on its spread pectoral fins 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 Sharpchin flyingfish?
The Sharpchin flyingfish 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; pointed snout.
Where does the Sharpchin flyingfish live?
The Sharpchin flyingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Pacific; surface of warm coastal waters.
How big does the Sharpchin flyingfish get?
The Sharpchin flyingfish grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.
Is the Sharpchin flyingfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Sharpchin flyingfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sharpchin flyingfish edible?
The Sharpchin flyingfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Sharpchin flyingfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sharpchin 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 Fodiator
More from the family Exocoetidae
Want the complete picture on the Sharpchin flyingfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sharpchin flyingfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.