Flying Fish

About the Flying Fish

They can glide 400 meters at 60 km/h, staying airborne for 45 seconds. They achieve this by vibrating their tail 50 times per second while still in water to build speed. Their enlarged pectoral fins act as wings. Some species have 4 wings (enlarged pelvic fins too). They fly to escape predators like dolphin fish and seabirds. Over 60 species exist. They are considered a delicacy in Barbados, the national dish. They sometimes land on boat decks. Their eggs are used in Japanese cuisine (tobiko). They have been around for 65 million years.