AND FISH CAN FLY...... Well they really can!!

Flying fish ( Exocoetidae) is one of the most interesting types of fish due to its ability to glide through the air.

There are 40 different species of flying fish that can be found in all oceans of the world. They prefer tropical and subtropical water of Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean.

Flying fish are especially abundant in the Caribbean Sea.

Barbados was known as the "The land of flying fish" in the past. Flying fish are often hunted by fisherman. Luckily their number in the wild is still stable and they are not listed as endangered species.

HOW FISH FLY!!!

To prepare for a glide, the fish swim rapidly close to the surface of the water, with their fins close to the body. 

As they leave the water, they spread their fins and rapidly propel themselves forward with their tails. 

Eventually, even the tail leaves the water and the fish are airborne. They can even flap their "wings".

In gliding, flying fish can almost double their speed, reaching speeds up to 60 km/h. The glides are usually up to 30-50 metres in length, but some have been observed soaring for hundreds of metres using the updraft on the leading edges of waves.

The fish can also make a series of glides, each time dipping the tail into the water to produce forward thrust.

INTERESTING FLYING FISH FACTS

Size of flying fish depends on the species. They are usually 7 to 12 inches long.

Upper side of the body of flying fish is bluish-grey. Their belly is grayish-silver. Flying fish has forked tail.

Pectoral fins of flying fish can be spread into wing-like shape.

Flying fish are shaped like torpedo. Their fins are closed when they swim to ensure faster movement through the water.

Flying fish can reach the height of 4 feet in the air, and glide distance of 655 feet before returning back to the water.

Main predators of flying fish are marlin, tuna, swordfish, mackerel and humans.

Flying fish are very sensitive and easily attracted by the light (fishermen use light to guide flying fish toward their ships). Despite that fact, flying fish hunts mainly during the night.

Flying fish live close to the water surface and feed on plankton, bacteria and other tiny marine creatures.

Mating season of flying fish takes place when the ocean currents are the weakest.

Flying fish live in large groups and their number can exceed million individuals during the mating season.

Females deposit large number of eggs near the surface of the water.Eggs are usually attached to the floating debris.

Young flying fish have whiskers near the mouths, and they look like the underwater plants. This appearance ensures survival during the first few days of life, when the youngsters are the most vulnerable.

Average lifespan of flying fish is around 5 years in the wild.