FLYING FISH

Brian writes...

So tell me Jim, what exactly is a flying fish? How do they fly, and where do they come from?

Flying fish are tropical fish belonging the Family Exocoetidae. They have long, large pectoral fins. Some also have large pelvic fins. Another feature they have are deeply forked tails having a lower lobe much longer and larger than the upper lobe. In preparation for flight, flying fish swim quickly towards the water's surface and leap out of the water. Once they are out of the water, the fish use their large wing-like fins and the large lower lobe of their tail to glide through the air. The enlarged lower lobe of the tail acts like an outboard motor, the speedy sideways motion of the tail allows the fish to gain height from the surface of the water, and extend the flight time. Fish can glide as far as 300 feet and as high as three feet above the surface of the water, but most flights are shorter.

There are over 50 species of flying fishes. The largest flying fish can reach lengths of 18", but most species measure less than 12". High-speed photographic studies have shown that flying fish hold their enlarged pectoral fins relatively steady, and glide through the air in a manner similar to other gliding animals like flying squirrels, lizards, and snakes. They use their unusual flying talent to escape predators such as swordfish, tunas, and other larger fishes.

Of course, I may have misunderstood your question. Flying fish is also the name of a brewing company in Cherry Hill, NJ. They don't really fly, but they probably drink like a fish.