Sailfin flyingfish

📖 Overview

Occurs in coastal waters , rare in the open ocean . Capable of leaping out of the water and gliding for considerable distances above the surface. 3-4 individuals aggregate during breeding . Carnivorous . Not important as food fish, but occasionally taken by fisheries.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 14; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 12 - 14. Body iridescent greenish blue dorsally, silvery white ventrally; dorsal black except for base and posterior rays which are pale; pelvic fins greyish, other fins transparent .: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Sailfin flyingfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Sailfin flyingfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

During breeding, a spawning aggregation composed at least of 3-4 individuals, probably 2-3 males to 1 female, were observed jumping and flying over the water surface, exuding ripe eggs and sperm in the process. Spawning on surface substrate (e.g. flotsam) when present is the usual reproductive mode but other modes may be employed if this substrate is not available. The fertilised eggs may remain suspended in the water surface during its development with the help of the small filaments on the egg surface and the adhesive filaments holding the egg mass together, by increasing the surface to volume ratio of the eggs, which aids in propping the eggs up in the water column. The eggs may also be suspended upon current or become benthic.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; pelagic-neritic; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 20 m. Subtropical; 37°N - 35°S, 34°E - East Africa, including the Red Sea (Ref.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute