Why Do Flying Fish Fly? Uncovering the Flight Principle of Flying Fish

Flying fish is the collective name for about 40 species of marine fish in the family Exocoetidae, order Atheriniformes. They have a peculiar appearance, with unusually well-developed pectoral fins that resemble the wings of birds, and are famous for being able to "fly," which is why they are called flying fish. However, flying fish do not actually fly; it looks as though they are flapping their wing-like fins, but in reality they are only gliding. They are widely distributed in warm waters around the world. Let us take a look below at why flying fish fly!

Can flying fish really fly?

Flying fish do not truly fly. Whenever one is about to leave the water's surface, it must first swim at high speed underwater, with its pectoral fins pressed tightly against the sides of its body, rising steadily like a submarine. The flying fish forcefully slaps the water with its tail, and its entire body shoots into the air like an arrow released from a bowstring. After leaping out of the water, it spreads its long, bright pectoral fins and pelvic fins and glides rapidly forward. The "wings" do not flap; the brief "flight" through the air relies on the propulsive force of the tail.

Why do flying fish fly?

Flying fish are preyed upon by fierce fish such as sharks, dolphinfish, tuna, and swordfish. Through long-term survival competition, they have developed a very ingenious skill for escaping enemies--leaping out of the water and gliding, which allows them to temporarily leave dangerous waters. However, this special "self-defense" method of flying fish is not absolutely reliable. Although flying fish gliding over the sea escape attacks from enemies in the water, they often also become "food in the mouth" of seabirds waiting on the surface, such as the "frigatebird." This is how flying fish survive--leaping out of the water one moment and diving back into the sea the next, using this method to evade enemies in the sea or in the air.

Living habits of flying fish

Flying fish live in tropical, subtropical, and temperate oceans. Their gliding figures can be seen in the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean Sea. Some species have seasonal offshore migratory habits, forming fishing seasons. Flying fish do not easily leap out of the water. They only display this ability when attacked by enemies or stimulated by the vibrating sound of a ship's engine. However, this special trick is not absolutely safe. Sometimes, while gliding through the air, they are caught by seabirds flying in the sky, or fall onto islands, or die after crashing into reefs.