Flying fish are marine creatures known for their unique ability to launch themselves from the ocean and glide through the air. This adaptation allows them to momentarily escape their aquatic environment. This aerial feat showcases nature’s diverse strategies for survival and movement.
How Far They Glide
Flying fish do not truly fly like birds; they are expert gliders. They typically glide around 50 meters (160 feet), but under optimal conditions, a single glide can reach up to 200 meters (650 feet).
Record-breaking glides have covered as much as 400 meters (1,300 feet). Glides usually last 5 to 10 seconds, with the longest recorded at 45 seconds. Factors influencing these distances and durations include wind speed and direction, the fish’s initial speed, and the specific species of flying fish, as some are better adapted for longer glides.
The Mechanics of Their Aerial Journeys
Flying fish begin their aerial maneuvers with powerful underwater propulsion. They build considerable speed, often exceeding 56 kilometers per hour (35 miles per hour), by rapidly sculling their caudal (tail) fin. The elongated lower lobe of their unevenly forked tail allows them to generate thrust even as their body breaks the water’s surface.
Once they breach the surface, they spread their large, wing-like pectoral fins. These fins, held flat against their bodies while swimming to reduce drag, act as rigid airfoils, enabling them to glide. Some species, known as “four-winged” flying fish, also possess enlarged pelvic fins that provide additional lift and stability during flight. Their streamlined bodies further minimize air resistance, enhancing their gliding performance.
While airborne, flying fish can adjust their wing-like fins to utilize air currents, similar to how a sailboat uses wind. They can also dip their tail back into the water to “taxi,” generating renewed momentum with rapid tail beats to extend their glide or perform consecutive flights. This allows them to remain out of the water for extended periods before re-entering the ocean.
Why Flying Fish Leave the Water
The primary reason flying fish launch into the air is to evade predators. By bursting from the water, they escape pursuit from underwater threats such as dolphins, tuna, marlin, and swordfish. This aerial escape strategy can disorient the predator, giving the flying fish a momentary advantage.
While airborne, flying fish can become vulnerable to avian predators. However, the ability to escape aquatic hunters outweighs this risk. Gliding may also offer other benefits, such as conserving energy over long distances compared to continuous swimming. This adaptation showcases a specialized survival mechanism in the marine environment.