How does a flying fish fly?

The fins of a flying fish act like glider wings when it leaps out of the water and sails through the air.

The fins of all fish help them to swim, but the fins of the flying fish also help it to fly.  The “wings” of the flying fish are its large, wing-like front fins.

It does not fly through the air by flapping its “wings” like a bird does.  It just glides through the air, sometimes for several hundred feet.

The flying fish gets into the air by swimming rapidly through the water.  Then it flips itself out of the water with its strong tail.

Once in the air, it spreads out the large fns at its sides and sails through the air much like a glider.  Sharp blows of its tail on the water’s surface give added power to its takeoff.

The flying fish can “fly” high enough to land on the decks of ships.  Schools of them will suddenly burst from the water, looking very much like they are playing.  But it is more likely they were frightened by a passing boat, or trying to escape larger fish.

Flying fish can be found in all warm seas.  They are deep blue on their backs and sides and silvery underneath.  Flying fishes may grow to be 18 inches long.   – Dick Rogers