What is a flying fish?

You must have heard of flying fishes. Have you ever wondered how is it possible for a fish to fly? There is a kind of fish, which can soar like a glider. This fish is known as a ‘flying fish‘. It does not fly like birds because it has no wings. To fly, it first swims very fast on the surface of water up to a speed of about 65 kilometres per hour and then spreads its front fins and starts flying in the air. The fins remain spread firmly during the flight with the help of its muscles. But as soon as it lands on water, the fins return to their original position. The most common flying fish is the two-winged type, which is found in all tropical seas. It is about 25 centimetres long. The largest flying fish is about 45 centimetres long and has four wings. It lives off the coast of California. The length of flying fishes varies from 5 centimetres to 45 centimetres. Sometimes while flying it dashes against the water waves. This sight is one of the most breathtaking sights that one can experience. The collision with waves gives it extra energy and it can further fly up to greater distances. It usually flies quite high in the air. A flying fish can glide for over half-a-minute.