Redfin flyingfish

📖 Overview

Redfin flyingfish (Hirundichthys rufipinnis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Exocoetidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in pelagic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 27 cm. With a trophic level of 3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 13; Anal soft rays: 11 - 13; Vertebrae: 44 - 47. This species is distinguished by the following characters: elongated body nearly rectangular in cross-section, almost flat ventrally, its depth 5.5-7.1 times in standard length (SL): vertebrae 44-47; predorsal scales 26-32; scales in transverse row 5.5-7.5, usually 6-6.5; head 4.5-5.1 times in SL: eye 2.8-3.0 times in head; subequal jaws conspicuous and conical teeth; no palatine teeth; gill rakers on first arch 25-32; low dorsal fin 10-13 rays; anal fin with 11-13 rays, originating slightly before, or 1-2 rays behind dorsal-fin origin; pectoral fins 1.2-1.4 times in SL, with 17-20 rays, first 2 rays unbranched; pelvic fins 2.7-3.5 in SL, inserted slightly nearer to posterior margin of opercle than origin of caudal-fin base; juveniles not barbelled; colour of body dark above and pale below, dorsal and caudal fins greyish, anal fin transparent, pectoral fins black without unpigmented cross-band and with a moderate light outer margin, pelvic fins without black spot; juveniles that are less than 10 cm are without vertical bands on body and with the dorsal, pectoral and pelvic fins not mottled with dark spots and bands .: elongated; Cross section: angular.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Redfin flyingfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; pelagic-oceanic; depth range 0 - ? m. Subtropical

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute