Do Flying Fish Really Fly?

Flying fish are known for their explosive power. Learn about the astonishing adaptations behind their intricate movements.

By Matt Hrodey
May 29, 2023 1:00 PM
Flying fish
A flying fish glides through the air. (Credit: Daniel Huebner/Shutterstock)

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Flying fish belong to the family Exocoetidae, which means in Latin, “fish that sleeps on the shore.” The family contains about 60 flying fish species that live about 5 years and use special ray-shaped fins underwater. They eat a humble diet of plankton and other small crustaceans.

You can see this species in pop culture: In the seventh level of the original Super Mario Bros., Mario must run through a gauntlet of little red flying pufferfish called Cheep Cheeps. But in reality, they soar through the ocean waters.

Can Fish Fly?

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