How Do Flying Fish Fly?
Quick Answer
Flying fish don't truly fly; they burst out of the water at speed and glide on large, wing-like fins, sometimes for hundreds of metres.
The Full Story
Flying fish live in warm oceans and use gliding to escape predators such as tuna and dolphins. They swim rapidly toward the surface, reaching around 60 kilometres per hour, then launch into the air. Once airborne, they spread their enlarged pectoral fins like wings, and some species also use enlarged pelvic fins. By dipping the lower lobe of their tail into the water and beating it rapidly, they can extend a glide. Glides are commonly around 50 metres, but long glides can cover about 400 metres.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Fish that glide like gliders: the flying fish's escape trick."
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