Smallhead flyingfish
📖 Overview
Smallhead flyingfish (Cheilopogon altipennis), first described by Valenciennes, 1847 is a medium-sized fish in the family Exocoetidae (order Beloniformes). Adults typically reach 38.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. It occurs in Subtropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 14; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 9 - 12. Body iridescent blue above, silvery white below; pectorals dark brownish grey (specimens 20-30cm SL with narrow, pale, transverse stripe); dorsal fin with or without black spot .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Smallhead flyingfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-neritic; depth range 0 - ? m. Subtropical South Africa (including Agulhas Bank).
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus altipennis | Valenciennes | 1847 | Synonym |
| Cypselurus altipennis | Valenciennes | 1847 | Synonym |
| Exocoetus altipennis | Valenciennes | 1847 | Synonym |
| Exocoetus longipinnis | Castelnau | 1861 | Synonym |
| Exocoetus solandri | Valenciennes | 1847 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Smallhead flyingfish ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.