Flying fish have evolved this remarkable ability to glide over water with remarkable agility to escape their watery predators. They begin their ‘glide’ or ‘flight’ by gaining great velocity underwater. Using their tails, they gather momentum and shoot themselves or jump high out of the water. The flying fish beats its tail rapidly while still under the water and angles upward breaking the water. It can sometimes reach heights over 4 feet and can glide long distances. Once it nears the surface again, the flying fish flaps its tail and taxis for a little distance without getting completely submerged in water again. However, this ‘gliding’ cannot be mistaken for flying.
Why can’t flying fish fly?
