exocoetid

Exocoetid refers to a family of marine fish commonly known as flying fish. These fish are characterized by their enlarged, wing-like pectoral fins which allow them to glide considerable distances through the air. This remarkable adaptation is primarily used to escape predators. When threatened, a flying fish will swim rapidly towards the surface and then launch itself out of the water. It then beats its tail vigorously against the surface, propelling itself forward and upwards. The large pectoral fins are then spread, allowing the fish to glide for hundreds of feet, sometimes even exceeding a thousand feet.

There are approximately 64 species of exocoetids, found in all warm and tropical oceans worldwide. They are typically small to medium-sized fish, with most species measuring between 7 to 19 inches in length. Their diet consists mainly of plankton and small crustaceans. Exocoetids are an important part of the marine food web, serving as prey for a variety of larger fish, birds, and marine mammals. They are also sometimes caught by fishermen, though they are not a major commercial fishery. The ability to fly has made exocoetids a subject of fascination and study, with their unique morphology and behavior offering insights into evolutionary adaptations.