Flying fish are marine fish that escape predators by gliding above the water with enlarged pectoral fins.
They build speed underwater and then break the surface, spreading their wing-like fins. Some species also enlarge their pelvic fins, producing a four-winged shape. Once airborne, they can remain above the water for tens or hundreds of metres, using momentum and favorable air currents rather than powered flight.
Flying fish are members of the family Exocoetidae and live mainly in warm ocean waters. Their predators include tuna, dolphinfish, and other fast-swimming fish. Launching into the air can help them cross the surface quickly and evade an attack.
They are not true fliers like birds or bats. Their fins do not flap to generate sustained lift; instead, the fish glides after a rapid underwater launch. The flying gurnard is a common source of confusion because it spreads large fins, but it does not perform the same ocean-surface glides.