Barbados: Flying Fish

Flying fish, which are common to most tropical seas, are found in the warm waters surrounding Barbados. The species found in this region are about 25cm long and are shaped like a herring.

The remarkable feature of this fish is its ability to "fly"! Actually, the fish don't "fly" ... they glide through the air up to distances of 30-40 metres. Just before takeoff, the fish swims quickly towards the surface, bursting into the air at speeds of 55 kmph!

Once it is airbourne, the fish spreads its large pectoral fins (seen spread in the picture) and appears to be "flying". This ability helps the fish to escape from predators.

The image of the famous Flying Fish of Barbados was captured from video taken by Great Circle Pictures.