Fin's Fish Guide
The Sutton's flyingfish (Cheilopogon suttoni) is a saltwater fish of the family Exocoetidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Fiji, India, Japan and others
Description
Sutton's flyingfish is a flyingfish (Exocoetidae) from warm surface waters of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a slender, torpedo-shaped, blue-silver body with greatly enlarged pectoral fins and an unequal, deeply forked tail. To escape predators it shoots out of the water and glides on its 'wings' for tens of metres over the waves. As a schooling fish of the upper layer it eats zooplankton and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sutton's flyingfish?
The Sutton's flyingfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly blue.
Where does the Sutton's flyingfish live?
The Sutton's flyingfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Fiji, India, Japan and others
How big does the Sutton's flyingfish get?
The Sutton's flyingfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Sutton's flyingfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Sutton's 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 Sutton's flyingfish edible?
Yes, the Sutton's flyingfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Sutton's flyingfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sutton's 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 Cheilopogon
More from the family Exocoetidae
Want the complete picture on the Sutton's flyingfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sutton's flyingfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.