Flying fish

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Flying fish
Temporal range: Eocene–Present [1]
Sailfin flyingfish.jpg
Sailfin flying-fish, Parexocoetus brachypterus
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Beloniformes
Suborder: Exocoetoidei
Superfamily: Exocoetoidea
Family: Exocoetidae
Risso, 1827 [2]
Genera

See text

The Exocoetidae are a family of marine ray-finned fish in the order Beloniformes, known colloquially as flying fish or flying cod. About 64 species are grouped in seven genera. While they cannot fly in the same way a bird does, flying fish can make powerful, self-propelled leaps out of the water where their long wing-like fins enable gliding for considerable distances above the water's surface. The main reason for this behavior is thought to be to escape from underwater predators, [3] [4] [5] which include swordfish, mackerel, tuna, and marlin, among others, [6] though their periods of flight expose them to attack by avian predators such as frigate birds.

Contents

Barbados is known as "the land of the flying fish" and the fish is one of the national symbols of the country. The Exocet missile is named after them, as variants are launched from underwater, and take a low trajectory, skimming the surface, before striking their targets.

Etymology

The term Exocoetidae is both the scientific name and the general name in Latin for a flying fish. The suffix -idae, common for indicating a family, follows the root of the Latin word exocoetus, a transliteration of the Ancient Greek name ἐξώκοιτος. This means literally 'sleeping outside', from ἔξω, 'outside', and κοῖτος, 'bed', 'resting place', with the verb root κει-, 'to lie down' (not 'untruth'), [7] so named as flying fish were believed to leave the water to sleep ashore, [8] or due to flying fish flying and thus stranding themselves in boats.

Taxonomy

The Exocoetidae is divided into four subfamilies and seven genera: [2] [9] [10]

Distribution and description

Flying fish Flying Fish (PSF).png
Flying fish
Flying fish taking off Pink-wing flying fish.jpg
Flying fish taking off

Flying fish live in all of the oceans, particularly in tropical and warm subtropical waters. They are commonly found in the epipelagic zone, the top layer of the ocean to a depth of about 200 m (660 ft).

Numerous morphological features give flying fish the ability to leap above the surface of the ocean. One such feature is fully broadened neural arches, which act as insertion sites for connective tissues and ligaments in a fish's skeleton. Fully broadened neural arches act as more stable and sturdier sites for these connections, creating a strong link between the vertebral column and cranium. [11] A steady glide will improve their flight duration and allow them to be above water. An unsteady glide will not impact their flight as much but will shorten their flight duration not much more than a steady flight. This also will vary based on their energy consumption. [12] This ultimately allows a rigid and sturdy vertebral column (body) that is beneficial in flight. Having a rigid body during glided flight gives the flying fish aerodynamic advantages, increasing its speed and improving its aim. [11] Furthermore, flying fish have developed vertebral columns and ossified caudal complexes. [13] These features provide the majority of strength to the flying fish, allowing them to physically lift their bodies out of water and glide remarkable distances. These additions also reduce the flexibility of the flying fish, allowing them to perform powerful leaps without weakening midair. [13] At the end of a glide, they fold their pectoral fins to re-enter the sea, or drop their tails into the water to push against the water to lift for another glide, possibly changing direction. [14] [15] The curved profile of the "wing" is comparable to the aerodynamic shape of a bird wing. [16] The fish is able to increase its time in the air by flying straight into or at an angle to the direction of updrafts created by a combination of air and ocean currents. [14] [15]

Species of genus Exocoetus have one pair of fins and streamlined bodies to optimize for speed, while Cypselurus spp. have flattened bodies and two pairs of fins, which maximize their time in the air. From 1900 to the 1930s, flying fish were studied as possible models used to develop airplanes. [15]

The Exocoetidae feed mainly on plankton. Predators include dolphins, tuna, marlin, birds, squid, and porpoises. [15]

Flight measurements

In May 2008, a Japanese television crew (NHK) filmed a flying fish (dubbed "Icarfish") off the coast of Yakushima Island, Japan. The fish spent 45 seconds in flight. [17] The previous record was 42 seconds. [17]

The flights of flying fish are typically around 50 m (160 ft), [18] though they can use updrafts at the leading edge of waves to cover distances up to 400 m (1,300 ft). [18] [19] They can travel at speeds of more than 70 km/h (43 mph). [15] Maximum altitude is 6 m (20 ft) above the surface of the sea. [16] Flying fish often accidentally land on the decks of smaller vessels. [15] [20] [21]

Fishery and cuisine

Dried flying fish for sale in Tokyo. Flying fish for sale - Tokyo area Apr 11 2019 08-32 PM.jpeg
Dried flying fish for sale in Tokyo.
Flying fish for sale in local fish market of Saint Martin's Island, Bangladesh Flying fish for sale in local fish market.jpg
Flying fish for sale in local fish market of Saint Martin's Island, Bangladesh

Flying fish are commercially fished in Japan, Vietnam, and China by gillnetting, and in Indonesia and India by dipnetting. [15] Often in Japanese cuisine, the fish is preserved by drying to be used as fish stock for dashi broth. The roe of Cheilopogon agoo , or Japanese flying fish, is used to make some types of sushi, and is known as tobiko . It is also a staple in the diet of the Tao people of Orchid Island, Taiwan. Flying fish is part of the national dish of Barbados, cou-cou and flying fish. The taste is close to that of a sardine.

Flying fish roe is known as "cau-cau" in southern Peru, and is used to make several local dishes.[ citation needed ]

In the Solomon Islands, the fish are caught while they are flying, using nets held from outrigger canoes. They are attracted to the light of torches. Fishing is done only when no moonlight is available.[ citation needed ]

Importance

Barbados

Barbados is known as "the land of the flying fish", and the fish is one of the national symbols of the country. Once abundant, it migrated between the warm, coral-filled Atlantic Ocean surrounding the island of Barbados and the plankton-rich outflows of the Orinoco River in Venezuela.[ citation needed ]

Just after the completion of the Bridgetown Harbor / Deep Water Harbor in Bridgetown, Barbados had an increase of ship visits, linking the island to the world. The overall health of the coral reefs surrounding Barbados suffered due to ship-based pollution. Additionally, Barbadian overfishing pushed them closer to the Orinoco delta, no longer returning to Barbados in large numbers. Today, the flying fish only migrate as far north as Tobago, around 120 nmi (220 km; 140 mi) southwest of Barbados. Despite the change, flying fish remain a coveted delicacy.[ citation needed ]

Many aspects of Barbadian culture center around the flying fish; it is depicted on coins, as sculptures in fountains, in artwork, and as part of the official logo of the Barbados Tourism Authority. Additionally, the Barbadian coat of arms features a pelican and dolphinfish on either side of the shield, but the dolphinfish resembles a flying fish. Furthermore, actual artistic renditions and holograms of the flying fish are also present within the Barbadian passport.[ citation needed ]

Maritime disputes

Flying fish have also been gaining in popularity in other islands, fueling several maritime disputes. In 2006, the council of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea [22] fixed the maritime boundaries between Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago over the flying fish dispute, which gradually raised tensions between the neighbours. [23] The ruling stated both countries must preserve stocks for the future. Barbadian fishers still follow the flying fish southward.

Indonesia

Makassar fishermen in south Sulawesi have been catching flying fish (torani) in special boats called patorani for centuries developing their own sailing traditions along the way. These fishermen were able to sail as far as Kimberley region in west of Australia reaching the indigenous people there. [24]

Prehistoric analogues

The oldest known fossil of a flying or gliding fish are those of the extinct family Thoracopteridae, dating back to the Middle Triassic, 235–242 million years ago. [25] However, they are not related to modern flying fish, with the wing-like pectoral fins being convergently evolved in both lineages. [26]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flying and gliding animals</span> Animals that have evolved aerial locomotion

A number of animals are capable of aerial locomotion, either by powered flight or by gliding. This trait has appeared by evolution many times, without any single common ancestor. Flight has evolved at least four times in separate animals: insects, pterosaurs, birds, and bats. Gliding has evolved on many more occasions. Usually the development is to aid canopy animals in getting from tree to tree, although there are other possibilities. Gliding, in particular, has evolved among rainforest animals, especially in the rainforests in Asia where the trees are tall and widely spaced. Several species of aquatic animals, and a few amphibians and reptiles have also evolved this gliding flight ability, typically as a means of evading predators.

<i>Exocoetus</i> Genus of fishes

Exocoetus is a genus of flying fishes. It is a bony fish. The body is covered with cycloid scales. The mouth is wide, and the jaws bear teeth. It is a marine fish. The tail has hypobatic fins as the ventral lobe.

<i>Hirundichthys</i> Genus of fishes

Hirundichthys is a genus of flying fish. They have elongated, moderately thick, ventrally flattened bodies. The pectoral branch of the lateral line is absent. The upper jaw is not protrusible. The dorsal fin has fewer or equal rays than the anal fin; the dorsal fin is low, with the anterior rays the longest, the pectoral fins are strikingly long, reaching to or almost to caudal fin base; pelvic fins are long, reaching beyond the anal fin origin, and their insertion is closer to the anal fin origin than to the pectoral fin insertion.

Gliding flight is heavier-than-air flight without the use of thrust; the term volplaning also refers to this mode of flight in animals. It is employed by gliding animals and by aircraft such as gliders. This mode of flight involves flying a significant distance horizontally compared to its descent and therefore can be distinguished from a mostly straight downward descent like a round parachute.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California flying fish</span> Subspecies of Bennetts flying fish

The California flying fish, Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus californicus, is a subspecies of Bennett's flying fish. Prior to the 1970s, the California flying fish was known as a distinct species, with the scientific classification Cypselurus californicus. In fact there are 40 distinct classifications of flying fish. It may grow up to 19 inches (48 cm) in length and is the largest member of the flying fish family. It is found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, from Oregon to Baja California. As with all other flying fish, the California can not actually fly, but it can launch itself into the air, using its specially adapted fins to glide along the surface.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mirrorwing flyingfish</span> Species of fish

The mirrorwing flyingfish is a flying fish of the family Exocoetidae. It was first described by the French zoologist, Achille Valenciennes in a 22-volume work titled Histoire naturelle des poissons, which was a collaboration with Georges Cuvier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atlantic flyingfish</span> Species of fish

The Atlantic flyingfish is a flying fish in the family Exocoetidae. It was first described by the French zoologist, Achille Valenciennes in a 22-volume work entitled Histoire naturelle des poissons, which was a collaboration with fellow zoologist Georges Cuvier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tradeoffs for locomotion in air and water</span> Comparison of swimming and flying, evolution and biophysics

Certain species of fish and birds are able to locomote in both air and water, two fluid media with very different properties. A fluid is a particular phase of matter that deforms under shear stresses and includes any type of liquid or gas. Because fluids are easily deformable and move in response to applied forces, efficiently locomoting in a fluid medium presents unique challenges. Specific morphological characteristics are therefore required in animal species that primarily depend on fluidic locomotion. Because the properties of air and water are so different, swimming and flying have very disparate morphological requirements. As a result, despite the large diversity of animals that are capable of flight or swimming, only a limited number of these species have mastered the ability to both fly and swim. These species demonstrate distinct morphological and behavioral tradeoffs associated with transitioning from air to water and water to air.

<i>Fodiator</i> Genus of fishes

Fodiator is a genus of flying fishes. It is the only genus in the subfamily Fodiatorinae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aerial locomotion in marine animals</span>

Various marine animals are capable of aerial locomotion, i.e., jumping out of the water and moving through air. Some possible reasons for this behavior are hunting, escaping from predators, and saving energy for swimming or breathing. Some of the jumping behaviors initiate gliding and taxiing in air, while some of them end up falling back to water.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sailfin flying fish</span> Species of fish

The sailfin flying fish is a member of the flying fish family (Exocoetidae). As is typical of other members of its family, this species has the ability to jump out of the water and glide on hypertrophied fins in order to evade predators. It is considered a “two-winged” flying fish, meaning that it only has enlarged pectoral fins, as opposed to “four-winged” flying fish, which have both enlarged pectoral and pelvic fins.

<i>Cheilopogon nigricans</i> Species of fish

Cheilopogon nigricans, the blacksail flyingfish, also known as African flyingfish, or leaping flyingfish, is a flying fish in the family Exocoetidae. It is an oceanodromous, plankton-eating marine fish which has commercial value.

<i>Parexocoetus mento</i> Species of fish

Parexocoetus mento; also known as the African sailfin flying fish, Cuvier's flying fish, the yellow belly flying fish or the short-winged flying fish; is a species of flying fish from the family Exocoetidae which is found in the Indo-pacific region and which has colonised the eastern Mediterranean.

<i>Exocoetus volitans</i> Species of fish

Exocoetus volitans, commonly known as the tropical two-wing flyingfish or blue flyingfish, is a species of ray-finned fish native to tropical and subtropical seas. It can glide above the surface of the sea to escape predators.

<i>Exocoetus obtusirostris</i> Species of fish

Exocoetus obtusirostris, commonly known as the oceanic two-wing flyingfish or the blunt-snouted flyingfish, is a species of ray-finned fish native to the tropical and subtropical western Atlantic Ocean. It has the ability to glide above the surface of the water to escape from predators.

<i>Hirundichthys rondeletii</i> Species of fish

Hirundichthys rondeletii, the black wing flyingfish, is a species of flying fish from the family Exocoetidae which is found throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cypsellurinae</span> Subfamily of fishes

Cypsellurinae is a subfamily of flying fishes, one of four in the family Exocoetidae and the only one which is not monogeneric.

<i>Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus</i> Species of fish

Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus, Bennett's flying fish, is a species of flying fish which has a circumglobal distribution in tropical and subtropical seas. It is an epiplegaic species which feeds on zooplankton and small fishes and is capable of leaping out of the water and gliding over the surface.

Exocoetus peruvianus, commonly known as the Peruvian flyingfish, is a species of ray-finned fish endemic to the tropical southeast Pacific Ocean in the waters off Peru and Ecuador.

References

  1. ↑ Fossilworks. "Exocoetidae".
  2. 1 2 Richard van der Laan; William N. Eschmeyer & Ronald Fricke (2014). "Family-group names of Recent fishes". Zootaxa. 3882 (2): 001–230. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.3882.1.1 . PMID   25543675.
  3. ↑ "Recent Discoveries about the Evolution of Flying Fish | Bio-Aerial Locomotion" . Retrieved 2019-09-01.
  4. ↑ Davenport, John (June 1994). "How and why do flying fish fly?". Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries. 4 (2): 184–214. Bibcode:1994RFBF....4..184D. doi:10.1007/BF00044128. S2CID   34720887.
  5. ↑ "Flying Fish | National Geographic". Animals. 2010-04-11. Archived from the original on July 2, 2017. Retrieved 2019-09-01.
  6. ↑ Cy Berlowitz (2016). Sealights. Lulu.com. p. 32. ISBN   9781365061417.
  7. ↑ Harper, Douglas. "exocet". Online Etymology Dictionary .
  8. ↑ Pliny's Natural History , vol. IX, chapter 34
  9. ↑ J. S. Nelson; T. C. Grande; M. V. H. Wilson (2016). Fishes of the World (5th ed.). Wiley. p. 366. ISBN   978-1-118-34233-6.
  10. ↑ Eschmeyer, William N.; Fricke, Ron & van der Laan, Richard (eds.). "Genera in the family Exocoetidae". Catalog of Fishes . California Academy of Sciences . Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  11. 1 2 Dasilao, Juanito C.; Yamaoka, Kosaku (September 1998). "Development of the vertebral column and caudal complex in a flyingfish,Parexocoetus mento mento (Teleostei: Exocoetidae)". Ichthyological Research. 45 (3): 303–308. Bibcode:1998IchtR..45..303D. doi:10.1007/BF02673928. S2CID   33251544.
  12. ↑ Kawachi, K., Inada, Y., & Azuma, A. (1993). Optimal Flight Path of Flying Fish
  13. 1 2 Dasilao, Juanito C.; Sasaki, Kunio (January 1998). "Phylogeny of the flyingfish family Exocoetidae (Teleostei, Beloniformes)". Ichthyological Research. 45 (4): 347–353. Bibcode:1998IchtR..45..347D. doi:10.1007/BF02725187. S2CID   24966029.
  14. 1 2 Fish, F. E. (July 1990). "Wing design and scaling of flying fish with regard to flight performance". Journal of Zoology. 221 (3): 391–403. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.1990.tb04009.x.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Kutschera, U. (2005). "Predator-driven macroevolution in flyingfishes inferred from behavioural studies: historical controversies and a hypothesis" (PDF). Annals of the History and Philosophy of Biology . 10: 59–77. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-08-20.
  16. 1 2 Fish, F. (1991). "On a fin and a prayer" (PDF). Scholars . 3 (1): 4–7. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-11-02.
  17. 1 2 "Fast flying fish glides by ferry". BBC News . May 20, 2008. Retrieved May 20, 2008.
  18. 1 2 Ross Piper (2007), Extraordinary Animals: An Encyclopedia of Curious and Unusual Animals, Greenwood Press.[ page needed ]
  19. ↑ "Flying Fish". National Geographic. 11 April 2010. Archived from the original on February 28, 2021.
  20. ↑ Joseph Banks (1997). The Endeavour Journal of Sir Joseph Banks 1768–1771 (PDF). University of Sydney Library . Retrieved July 16, 2009.
  21. ↑ Moran. Churchill: Taken from the Diaries of Lord Moran. p. 819.
  22. ↑ "Barbados/Trinidad and Tobago". Permanent Court of Arbitration. April 11, 2006. Archived from the original on 2010-06-02.
  23. ↑ "Claims of Caribbean piracy as national symbol takes flight". The Sydney Morning Herald. December 18, 2004.
  24. ↑ Demmallino, Eymal B.; M. Saleh S. Ali (2018). "Patorani: Occultness, religiosity, and environmentally friendly technology of the flying fish hunters". Journal of Asian Rural Studies. 2 (1): 73–84. doi: 10.20956/jars.v2i1.1366 .
  25. ↑ Subbaraman, Nidhi (31 October 2012). "Oldest flying fish fossil found in China". Nature. doi:10.1038/nature.2012.11707. S2CID   131398231.
  26. ↑ Xu, Guang-Hui; Zhao, Li-Jun; Gao, Ke-Qin; Wu, Fei-Xiang (7 January 2013). "A new stem-neopterygian fish from the Middle Triassic of China shows the earliest over-water gliding strategy of the vertebrates". Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 280 (1750): 20122261. doi:10.1098/rspb.2012.2261. PMC   3574442 . PMID   23118437.
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