How to Identify Spotfin Flyingfish

To identify Spotfin Flyingfish (Cheilopogon furcatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal surface is typically dark blue to greenish-blue, fading to silvery-white on the ventral side. Pectoral fins are dark with a distinct pale or whitish spot near the base, which is a key identifying feature. Pelvic fins are also dark.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Greatly enlarged pectoral fins extending beyond the anal fin origin, used for gliding., Enlarged pelvic fins, also used in gliding, positioned abdominally., Lower lobe of caudal fin significantly longer than the upper lobe., A prominent pale or whitish spot on the dark pectoral fins.

Dorsal fin

Single, relatively short dorsal fin, typically with 10-12 soft rays.

Tail fin

Deeply forked, with the lower lobe considerably longer than the upper lobe, providing thrust for takeoff.

Pectoral fin

Very large and wing-like, extending well past the anal fin origin, dark with a pale spot near the base.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are also large and dark, positioned abdominally, and contribute to the 'biplane' gliding configuration.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Pectoral Fins

   Look for the large, dark pectoral fins with a distinct pale or whitish spot near their base. This spot is a primary diagnostic feature.

2. 2

   Pelvic Fins

   Observe the size and color of the pelvic fins; in Cheilopogon furcatus, they are also large and dark, contributing to the 'four-winged' appearance during flight.

3. 3

   Caudal Fin

   Note the deeply forked caudal fin with the elongated lower lobe, characteristic of flyingfish adapted for powerful propulsion.

4. 4

   Body Coloration

   The dark blue to greenish-blue dorsal coloration transitioning to silvery-white ventrally is typical for pelagic species.

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