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Exocoetus brachypterus, commonly known as the Shortfin flyingfish, is a pelagic marine fish belonging to the family Exocoetidae. It is characterized by its streamlined body and relatively short pectoral fins compared to other flyingfish species, which are not used for sustained gliding flights but rather for short, rapid bursts out of the water. This species is widespread in tropical and subtropical oceanic waters globally.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- torpedo
- Coloration
- Dorsal surface is iridescent blue to dark blue, fading to silvery white on the ventral side. Fins are generally dusky or translucent.
- Scale type
- cycloid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Relatively short pectoral fins that do not reach the dorsal fin origin when folded back., Pelvic fins are short and located abdominally, not reaching the anal fin origin., Absence of barbels or prominent spines., Lower lobe of caudal fin is longer than the upper lobe.
- Dorsal fin
- Single, relatively small dorsal fin located posteriorly, opposite the anal fin.
- Tail fin
- Deeply forked, with the lower lobe significantly longer than the upper lobe, aiding in propulsion during aerial glides.
- Pectoral fin
- Paired, relatively short, and broad pectoral fins, not extending beyond the dorsal fin origin. Used for initial lift during leaps.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are small and located far forward on the abdomen.
Identification Tips
Pectoral Fin Length
The most distinguishing feature is its relatively short pectoral fins. When folded back, they do not extend to the origin of the dorsal fin. This contrasts with 'four-winged' flyingfish species where pectoral fins are much longer.
Pelvic Fin Length and Position
Pelvic fins are short and located abdominally, not reaching the anal fin origin. This differentiates it from other flyingfish that may have longer pelvic fins.
Body Shape and Coloration
Streamlined, torpedo-shaped body with a dark blue dorsal surface and silvery-white belly, typical of pelagic fish for camouflage in open water.
Absence of Barbles
Lacks any barbels or prominent fleshy appendages on the chin, which can be present in some other fish families.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Epipelagic zone, typically near the surface (0-200 meters).
- Environment
- Open ocean, oceanic waters, rarely found near coastlines unless associated with oceanic currents.
- Geographic range
- Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, generally between 40°N and 40°S latitudes.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: Not suitable for home aquaria due to specialized needs and pelagic nature.
- Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibility: Not applicable for home aquaria. In the wild, they are prey for larger pelagic predators.
- Special requirements: Requires vast open water, specialized feeding, and is highly susceptible to stress in confined environments. Not maintained in public aquaria either due to their specific needs.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Present year-round in tropical and subtropical waters, with localized seasonal abundance influenced by oceanographic conditions and prey availability.
- Market price: Varies regionally, often caught as bycatch or for local consumption.
- Commercial importance: low
- Taste: Mild, slightly oily
- Texture: Firm, flaky
- Cooking methods: Fried, Grilled, Smoked
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Key Facts
Aerial Escapismbehavior
Shortfin flyingfish are renowned for their ability to leap out of the water and glide for short distances, primarily as an escape mechanism from predators such as tuna, dolphinfish, and billfish. Their short pectoral fins provide initial lift but do not support sustained flight like 'four-winged' flyingfish.
Dietary Habitsbehavior
Their diet primarily consists of zooplankton, including copepods, euphausiids, and other small crustaceans, as well as small larval fish. They are visual predators, feeding near the surface.
Reproductionbehavior
Shortfin flyingfish are pelagic spawners, releasing buoyant eggs into the open ocean. The eggs often have filaments that allow them to attach to floating debris or Sargassum seaweed, providing some protection and dispersal.
Ecological Roleinteresting
As a common prey item for a wide range of larger pelagic predators, Exocoetus brachypterus plays a crucial role in the oceanic food web, transferring energy from lower trophic levels (zooplankton) to higher ones (piscivorous fish and marine birds).
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to avoid fin pricks. They are not venomous or dangerous to humans.
Similar Species
Oceanic Two-wing Flyingfish
Exocoetus volitans
While also a 'two-winged' flyingfish, E. volitans typically has slightly longer pectoral fins that may just reach the dorsal fin origin, and often has a more slender body. Differentiation can be challenging and often requires careful examination of fin lengths relative to body landmarks.
Tropical Two-wing Flyingfish
Exocoetus monocirrhus
E. monocirrhus is distinguished by the presence of a single barbel on the chin of juveniles, which is absent in E. brachypterus at all life stages. Adults of E. monocirrhus also tend to have slightly different body proportions.
Mirrorwing Flyingfish
Hirundichthys speculiger
H. speculiger is a 'four-winged' flyingfish, meaning its pelvic fins are significantly longer and used in gliding, reaching well past the anal fin origin. E. brachypterus has short pelvic fins that do not contribute to flight.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Beloniformes
- Family
- Exocoetidae
- Genus
- Exocoetus
- Species
- brachypterus
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