Flying fish - wikipedia Flying fish For other uses, see Flying fish ( disambiguation ). Not to be confused with Raining fish. Flying fish Temporal range : Miocene -- Recent PreЄ Є Pg Sailfin flying - fish Parexocoetus brachypterus Scientific classification Kingdom : Animalia Phylum : Chordata Class : Actinopterygii Order : Beloniformes Suborder : Belonoidei Superfamily : Exocoetoidea Family : Exocoetidae Genera Cheilopogon Cypselurus Exocoetus Fodiator Hirundichthys Parexocoetus Prognichthys The Exocoetidae is a family of marine fish in the order Beloniformes class Actinopterygii. Fish of this family are known as flying fish. About 64 species are grouped in seven to nine genera. Flying fish can make powerful, self - propelled leaps out of water into air, where their long, wing - like fins enable gliding flight for considerable distances above the water 's surface. This uncommon ability is a natural defence mechanism to evade predators. The oldest known fossil of a flying or gliding fish, Potanichthys xingyiensis, dates back to the Middle Triassic, 235 -- 242 million years ago. However, this fossil is not related to modern flying fish, which evolved independently about 66 million years ago. Contents 1 Etymology 2 Distribution and description 2.1 Flight measurements 3 Fishery and cuisine 4 Importance 4.1 Barbados 4.1. 1 Maritime disputes 5 See also 6 References 7 External links Etymology The term Exocoetidae is both the scientific name and the general name in Latin for a flying fish. The suffix - idae, common for indicating a family, follows the root of the Latin word exocoetus, a transliteration of the Ancient Greek name ἐξώκοιτος. This means literally `` sleeping outside '', from ἔξω `` outside '' and κοῖτος `` bed '', `` resting place '', so named as flying fish were believed to leave the water to sleep ashore. A different etymological approach, more realistic, is that of Ancient Greek ἔξω `` outside '' + κύτος `` hull '', which means not submerged in the water. Distribution and description Flying fish Flying fish taking off Flying fish live in all of the oceans, particularly in tropical and warm subtropical waters. They are commonly found in the epipelagic zone. This area is the top layer of the ocean that extends 200 meters from the surface down. It is often known as the `` sunlight zone '' because it 's where most of the visible light exists. Nearly all primary production, or photosynthesis, happens in this zone. Therefore, the vast majority of plants and animals inhabit this area and can vary from plankton to the sharks. Although the epipelagic zone is an exceptional area for variety in life, it too has its drawbacks. Due to the vast variety of organisms it holds, there is high number of prey and predation relationships. Small organisms such as the flying fish are targets for larger organisms. They especially have a hard time escaping predators and surviving until they can reproduce, resulting in them having a lower fitness. Along with relationship difficulties, abiotic factors also play a part. Harsh ocean currents make it extremely difficult for small fish to survive in this habitat. Research suggests that difficult environmental factors in the flying fish 's habitat have led to the evolution of modified fins. As a result, flying fish have undergone natural selection in which species gain unique traits to better adapt to their environments. By becoming airborne, flying fish evade their predators and environment. This increase of speed and maneuverability is a direct advantage to flying fish, and has given them leverage when compared to other species in their environment. Research has shown that the flying fish has undergone morphological changes throughout its history, the first of which is fully broadened neural arches. Neural arches act as insertion sites for muscles, connective tissues, and ligaments in a fish 's skeleton. Fully broadened neural arches act as more stable and sturdier sites for these connections, creating a strong link between the vertebral column and cranium. This ultimately allows a rigid and sturdy vertebral column ( body ) that is beneficial in flight. Having a rigid body during glided flight gives the flying fish aerodynamic advantages, increasing its speed and improving its aim. Furthermore, flying fish have developed vertebral columns and ossified caudal complexes. These features provide the majority of strength to the flying fish, allowing them to physically lift their body out of water and glide remarkable distances. These additions also reduce the flexibility of the flying fish, allowing them to perform powerful leaps without weakening midair. At the end of a glide, it folds its pectoral fins to re-enter the sea, or drops its tail into the water to push against the water to lift itself for another glide, possibly changing direction. The curved profile of the `` wing '' is comparable to the aerodynamic shape of a bird wing. The fish is able to increase its time in the air by flying straight into or at an angle to the direction of updrafts created by a combination of air and ocean currents. Genus Exocoetus has one pair of fins and a streamlined body to optimize for speed, while Cypselurus has a flattened body and two pairs of fins, which maximize its time in the air. From 1900 to the 1930s, flying fish were studied as possible models used to develop airplanes. Exocoetidae feed mainly on plankton. Predators include dolphins, tuna, marlin, birds, squids, and porpoises. Flight measurements In May 2008, a Japanese television crew ( NHK ) filmed a flying fish ( dubbed `` Icarfish '' ) off the coast of Yakushima Island, Japan. The fish spent 45 seconds in flight. The previous record was 42 seconds. The flights of flying fish are typically around 50 m ( 160 ft ), though they can use updrafts at the leading edge of waves to cover distances up to 400 m ( 1,300 ft ). They can travel at speeds of more than 70 km / h ( 43 mph ). Maximum altitude is 6 m ( 20 ft ) above the surface of the sea. Some accounts ( e.g. Kon - tiki by Thor Heyerdal ) have them landing on ships ' decks. Fishery and cuisine Flying fish for sale in local fish market of Saint Martin 's Island, Bangladesh Flying fish are commercially fished in Japan, Vietnam, and China by gillnetting, and in Indonesia and India by dipnetting. Often in Japanese cuisine, the fish is preserved by drying. The roe of Cheilopogon agoo, or Japanese flying fish, is used to make some types of sushi, and is known as tobiko. It is also a staple in the diet of the Tao people of Orchid Island, Taiwan. Flying fish is part of the national dish of Barbados, cou - cou and flying fish. In the Solomon Islands, the fish are caught while they are flying, using nets held from outrigger canoes. They are attracted to the light of torches. Fishing is done only when there is no moonlight. Importance Barbados Barbados is known as `` the land of the flying fish '', and the fish is one of the national symbols of the country. Once abundant, it migrated between the warm, coral - filled Atlantic Ocean surrounding the island of Barbados and the plankton - rich outflows of the Orinoco River in Venezuela. Just after the completion of the Bridgetown Harbor / Deep Water Harbor in Bridgetown, Barbados had an increase of ship visits, linking the island to the world. The overall health of the coral reefs surrounding Barbados suffered due to ship - based pollution. Additionally, Barbadian overfishing pushed them closer to the Orinoco delta, no longer returning to Barbados in large numbers. Today, the flying fish only migrate as far north as Tobago, around 120 nmi ( 220 km ; 140 mi ) southwest of Barbados. Despite the change, flying fish remain a coveted delicacy. Many aspects of Barbadian culture center around the flying fish ; it is depicted on coins, as sculptures in fountains, in artwork, and as part of the official logo of the Barbados Tourism Authority. Additionally, the Barbadian coat of arms features a pelican and dolphin fish on either side of the shield, but the dolphin resembles a flying fish. Furthermore, actual artistic renditions and holograms of the flying fish are also present within the Barbadian passport. Maritime disputes For more details on this topic, see Barbados v. Trinidad and Tobago. In recent times, flying fish have also been gaining in popularity in other islands, fueling several maritime disputes. In 2006, the council of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea fixed the maritime boundaries between Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago over the flying fish dispute, which gradually raised tensions between the neighbours. The ruling stated both countries must preserve stocks for the future. Barbadian fishers still follow the flying fish southward. Flying fish remain an important part of Barbados ' main national dish. See also Flying and gliding animals Neuston Tradeoffs for locomotion in air and water References Jump up ^ Oldest flying fish fossil found in China Nature, News, 31 October 2012. Jump up ^ Xu, Guang - Hui ; Li - Jun Zhao, Ke - Qin Gao and Fei - Xiang Wu ( 2012 ) A new stem - neopterygian fish from the Middle Triassic of China shows the earliest over-water gliding strategy of the vertebrates '' Proceedings of the Royal Society B : Biological Sciences, Published online before print October 31, 2012. doi : 10.1098 / rspb. 2012.2261 Jump up ^ Harper, Douglas. `` exocet ''. Online Etymology Dictionary. Jump up ^ Pliny 's Natural History, vol. IX, 19 ) Jump up ^ Fish, F.E. ( 1990 ). Wing Design And Scaling of Flying Fish With Regard To Flight Performance. Journal of Zoology, 221 ( 3 ), 391 - 403. ^ Jump up to : Davenport, J. ( 1994 ). How And Why Do Flying Fish Fly ?. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 4 ( 2 ), 184 - 214. Jump up ^ Dasilao, J., & Yamaoka, K. ( 1998 ). Development of the Vertebral Column And Caudal Complex in a Flyingfish, Parexocoetus Mento Mento ( Teleostei : Exocoetidae ). Ichthyological Research, 45 ( 3 ), 303 - 308. ^ Jump up to : Dasilao, J., & Yamaoka, K. ( 1998 ). Development Of The Vertebral Column And Caudal Complex In A Flyingfish, Parexocoetus Mento Mento ( Teleostei : Exocoetidae ). Ichthyological Research, 45 ( 3 ), 303 - 308. ^ Jump up to : Dasilao, J.C., & Sasaki, K. ( 1998 ). Phylogeny Of The Flyingfish Family Exocoetidae ( Teleostei, Beloniformes ). Ichthyological Research, 45 ( 4 ), 347 - 353. ^ Jump up to : Fish, F.E. ( 1990 ). `` Wing design and scaling of flying fish with regard to flight performance '' ( PDF ). Journal of Zoology. 221 ( 3 ) : 391 -- 403. doi : 10.1111 / j. 1469 - 7998.1990. tb04009. x. Archived from the original ( PDF ) on 2013 - 10 - 20. ^ Jump up to : Kutschera, U. ( 2005 ). `` Predator - driven macroevolution in flyingfishes inferred from behavioural studies : historical controversies and a hypothesis '' ( PDF ). Annals of the History and Philosophy of Biology. 10 : 59 -- 77. Archived from the original ( PDF ) on 2007 - 08 - 20. ^ Jump up to : Fish, F. ( 1991 ). `` On a fin and a prayer '' ( PDF ). Scholars. 3 ( 1 ) : 4 -- 7. Archived from the original ( PDF ) on 2013 - 11 - 02. ^ Jump up to : `` Fast flying fish glides by ferry ''. BBC News. May 20, 2008. Retrieved May 20, 2008. ^ Jump up to : Ross Piper ( 2007 ), Extraordinary Animals : An Encyclopedia of Curious and Unusual Animals, Greenwood Press. Jump up ^ Flying Fish, Exocoetidae National Geographic. Retrieved 10 August 2014. Jump up ^ Joseph Banks ( 1997 ). The Endeavour Journal of Sir Joseph Banks 1768 -- 1771 ( PDF ). University of Sydney Library. Retrieved July 16, 2009. Jump up ^ Moran. Churchill : Taken from the Diaries of Lord Moran. p. 819. Jump up ^ `` Barbados / Trinidad and Tobago ''. Permanent Court of Arbitration. April 11, 2006. Archived from the original on 2010 - 06 - 02. Jump up ^ `` Claims of Caribbean piracy as national symbol takes flight ''. The Sydney Morning Herald. December 18, 2004. External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Exocoetidae. Wikisource has the text of the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article Flying - fish. May 2008 video of 45 second flight Flying Fish, National Geographic Society Video of flying fish using pectoral fins to swim underwater Slow - motion video of flying fish taking off Fish About fish Diversity Ethnoichthyology Evolution Diseases and parasites Fisheries Fishing Fish as food Fear of fish FishBase Fish kill Hypoxia in fish Ichthyology Anatomy and physiology Fish anatomy Fish physiology Estimating age Anguilliformity Bone dermal intramembranous ossification Cleithrum Chromatophore Fins dorsal fin Gill branchial arch gill raker gill slit pharyngeal arch pharyngeal slit pseudobranch Glossohyal Jaw hyomandibula pharyngeal jaw Leydig 's organ Mauthner cell Meristics Operculum papillare Papilla Photophore Root effect Shark cartilage Scales ganoine Spiral valve Suckermouth Swim bladder physoclisti physostome Teeth pharyngeal teeth shark teeth Teleost leptins Digital Library Sensory systems Sensory systems in fish Ampullae of Lorenzini Barbel Hydrodynamic reception Electrocommunication Electroreception Jamming avoidance response Lateral line Otolith Passive electrolocation Capacity for pain Schreckstoff Surface wave detection Vision Weberian apparatus Reproduction Fish reproduction Bubble nest Clasper Egg case Fish development Ichthyoplankton Juvenile fish Life history theory Milt Mouthbrooder Polyandry in fish Pregnancy Roe Sequential hermaphroditism Spawning triggers Locomotion Fish locomotion Fin and flipper locomotion Amphibious fish Walking fish Flying fish Undulatory locomotion Tradeoffs for locomotion in air and water RoboTuna Other behaviour Aquatic predation Aquatic respiration Bait ball Bottom feeders Cleaner fish Diel vertical migration Electric fish Filter feeders Forage fish Migrating fish Paedophagy Predatory fish Salmon run Sardine run Scale eaters Schooling fish Sleep in fish Venomous fish Fish intelligence By habitat Cave Coastal Coldwater Coral reef Deep sea Demersal Euryhaline Freshwater Groundfish Pelagic Tropical Other types Bait Coarse Diversity Game Genetically modified Hallucinogenic Oily Poisonous Rough Whitefish Commercial Fish farming Carp Salmonids Tilapia Wild fisheries Predatory fish billfish mackerel salmon tuna Forage fish anchovy herring sardine sprats Demersal fish cod flatfish pollock Major groups Jawless fish hagfish lampreys Cartilaginous fish chimaeras sharks rays Bony fish spiny - finned fleshy - finned Lists Aquarium life Blind fish Fish common names Fish families Fish on stamps Glossary of ichthyology Large fish Threatened rays sharks Prehistoric fish more lists... Portal WikiProject GND : 4154627 - 1 NDL : 00576573 Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Flying_fish&oldid=806578914 '' Categories : Exocoetidae Gliding animals Fish of Oceania Marine fish of Africa Marine fish of Asia Fish of Hawaii Fish of Japan Extant Miocene first appearances Miocene fish Quaternary fish Barbadian cuisine Hidden categories : Articles with ' species ' microformats Articles containing Latin - language text Articles containing Ancient Greek - language text Wikipedia articles with GND identifiers Talk Contents About Wikipedia Wikispecies Afrikaans Azərbaycanca تۆرکجه বাংলা Bân - lâm - gú Беларуская Български Català Cebuano Čeština Dansk Deutsch ދިވެހިބަސް Diné bizaad Eesti Ελληνικά Español Esperanto Euskara فارسی Français Gaeilge Galego 한국어 Հայերեն Hrvatski Bahasa Indonesia Italiano עברית ಕನ್ನಡ ქართული Қазақша Кыргызча Lietuvių Magyar Македонски မြန်မာဘာသာ Nāhuatl Nederlands 日本 語 Norsk Oʻzbekcha / ўзбекча Polski Português Русский Simple English Soomaaliga Suomi Svenska Tagalog தமிழ் ไทย Тоҷикӣ Türkçe Українська Tiếng Việt Winaray Zazaki 中文 Edit links This page was last edited on 22 October 2017, at 22 : 45. 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Question: what is the name of the flying fish
Answer: Exocoetidae