Flying Fish ( উৰণীয়া মাছ )

Scientific Name: Exocoetus sp.

Classification

Phylum: Chordata - Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill slits present.

Subphylum: Vertebrata - Vertebral column present.

Superclass: Gnathostoma -Jaws and paired appendages present.

Class: Actinopterygii - Ray-finned fishes.

Superorder: Teleostei - Bony fish proper

Order: Mesichthyes- Intermediate form between that of the more primitive forms and the latest spiny-finned teleosts.

Genus: Exocoetus 

Habit and Habitat: Exocoetus is found in the sea, often skittering near the boats. It is pelagic and feeds on prawns and young fishes and their eggs. Young Exocoetus fishes live in sandy shoal-places near the coast.

Characteristics

1. Elongated body with silvery-white sides measures 30 to 45 cm in length and is divided into head, trunk and tail.
2. Body covered with overlapping cycloid scales (usually 38 to 60 in lateral line).
3. The Head contains large eyes. The upper part of the snout is produced into a process and contains the nostril.
4. Dorsal and anal fins are short and supported by 8 to 16 soft fin-rays each and are opposite to each pelvic fin. Pectoral fins are exceptionally large, spread like wings and make gliding flights.

Videos

Flying Fish Picked Off From Above And Below | The Hunt | BBC Earth. YouTube: BBC Earth

References

• Practical zoology vertebrates by S.S Lal
• The life of invertebrates by J.Z Young