Have you ever heard of flying fish? They do not fly the way
birds do but they can make considerable leaps above the surface of the water
while flapping their wing-like pectoral fins, which makes them technically appear flying.
* Habitat
They live in all the oceans, particularly in tropical and
subtropical waters to a depth of about 655 ft (200 m).
* Evolution
Just like many other creatures which evolve morphologically,
a flying fish has developed its cranium, vertebral column, fins and tail in
order to get aerodynamic advantages increasing its speed and improving its aim.
* Flight
Scientists believe flying fish resorted to flying to avoid their
many predators e.g. dolphins, mackerel, tuna, swordfish,
marlin and other larger fish. One glide can take the fish out of the danger
zone and land it into safety. At the end of a glide, a flying fish folds its
pectoral fins to re-enter the water, or drop its tail to push against the water
to lift for another glide, possibly changing direction.
* Diet
Flying fish are omnivorous, and they feed mainly on
plankton.
* Records
The longest non-stop flight took 45 seconds.
Flying fish can reach speeds of more than 43 mph (70 km/h).
The maximum altitude was 20 ft (6 m).
The longest distance was 650 ft (198 m).
