Atlantic blackwing flyingfish
📖 Overview
Atlantic blackwing flyingfish (Hirundichthys volador) 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 24 cm. With a trophic level of 3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 13; Anal soft rays: 10 - 13; Vertebrae: 44 - 47. This species is distinguished by the following characters: elongated body nearly rectangular in cross-section, almost flat ventrally; its depth 5.2-6.4 times in standard length (SL): vertebrae 44-47; predorsal scales 25-31; scales in transverse row 6.5 to 8.5, usually 7.5; head 4.2-5.2 times in SL; eye 3.1-3.3 times in head; jaws subequal, the teeth conspicuous, conical; no palatine teeth; gill rakers on first arch 24-29; low dorsal fin with 10-13 rays; anal fin with 10-13 rays, originating slightly before, or 1 to 2 rays behind dorsal-fin origin; pectoral fins 1.2-1.4 times in SL, with 16-19 rays and the first two rays unbranched; pelvic fins 2.5-3.4 times in SL, inserted slightly nearer to posterior margin of opercle than origin of caudal-fin base; juveniles are not barbelled; colour of body dark above, pale below, the dorsal and caudal fins greyish and anal fin transparent; pectoral fins black without unpigmented cross-band and with a narrow light outer margin; pelvic fins usually with black spot. Juveniles less than 5,0 cm SL have a few dark transverse vertical bands on body; dorsal, pectoral and pelvic fins mottled with dark spots and bands ..: elongated; Cross section: angular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Atlantic blackwing flyingfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-oceanic; depth range 0 - ? m. Subtropical south along the US) Bermuda, the Bahamas ad throughout the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
🌿 Ecology
zooplankton
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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