Flying fish belong to the family Exocoetidae and are recognizable for their large pectoral fins, which enable them to avoid predators, such as dolphins, tuna, and birds, by leaping out of the water.
The longest-known “flight” attained by a flying fish was filmed off the coast of Japan and lasted 45 seconds. You can watch the video here.
The fish are actually gliding, rather than flying. Powerful tail strokes beneath the water allow them to reach up to 20 miles per hour before they break the surface and then glide with their wing-like fins.
At first the tail retains contact with the water, beating up to 70 times per second, which allows the fish to accelerate to around 40 miles per hour before becoming airborne.
Due to the lower resistance of air, the fish is able to launch itself like a rocket away from the reach of predators.
Flying time can be increased by pushing the tail against the water again to enter another glide, and by catching updrafts from air and ocean currents.
When it is ready to re-enter the water, the fish simply folds its pectorals.
Matthew Oldfield is a freelance photographer based in Bali, Indonesia, specializing in editorial and documentary images from both above, and below the waves. He works primarily with charities, NGO’s, and other organizations working to conserve the environment, endangered species, and disappearing cultures.
