Exocoetids

Exocoetids, commonly known as flying fish, are a family of marine fish belonging to the order Beloniformes. They are characterized by their large, wing-like pectoral fins and, in some species, enlarged pelvic fins, which enable them to glide through the air. These fish are found in all warm oceans, particularly in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Their diet primarily consists of plankton, small crustaceans, and other small fish.

The most remarkable feature of exocoetids is their ability to escape predators. When threatened, they swim at high speed towards the surface and launch themselves into the air. By beating their tails rapidly against the water, they achieve enough lift to glide for considerable distances, sometimes exceeding 200 meters. This aerial escape mechanism is thought to be a crucial adaptation for survival against pelagic predators such as tuna, swordfish, and dolphins.

Exocoetids have a streamlined body shape, with a forked tail, and typically a projecting lower lobe. They are generally small to medium-sized fish. Their coloration is often silvery, providing camouflage against the sky when viewed from below by predators. The family Exocoetidae comprises around 64 species grouped into several genera. They play a role in the marine food web and are sometimes caught by fishermen, though not typically in large commercial quantities.