Latin Name:  Cypselurus melanurus

General Size:  10" x 10"

The family Exocoetidae contains approximately 67 species of flying fish. The Atlantic flying fish is a common species found in near-shore waters of Florida and is a favorite food of many pelagic predators such as dolphin and bill fishes. Their ability to glide up to 300 feet away and as much as six feet high set them apart from all other fishes and make them a very difficult prey to capture. Because the lower lobe of their caudal fin is longer than the top they are able to maintain gliding speed by dipping some of the lower lobe in the water and quickly moving the tail side to side thus propelling them forward.

Piece Delivered In:  Shadowbox         Learn more