Cheilopogon californicus (Cooper, 1863)
California flyingfish
Cheilopogon californicus
photo by FAO

Family:  Exocoetidae (Flyingfishes)
Max. size:  38 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range - 0 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Oregon, USA to southern Baja California.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-13; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 9-12; Vertebrae: 48-51. Branchiostegal rays: 10-12 (Ref. 36606).
Biology:  Adults are epipelagic and neritic. Capable of leaping and gliding out of the water for considerable distances above the surface.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 May 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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