Cypselurus callopterus (Günther, 1866)
Ornamented flyingfish
photo by Robertson, R.

Family:  Exocoetidae (Flyingfishes)
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range - 0 m
Distribution:  Eastern Central Pacific: Mexico to Ecuador.
Diagnosis:  Body elongate, cylindrical, and thick; snout blunt, shorter than eye diameter; lower jaw slightly shorter than upper jaw and hidden by it; fins lacking spines; pectoral fins set high on body, extremely long, surpassing midpoint of dorsal fin; anal fin origin located behind dorsal fin origin by at least 3 or more rays; back iridescent blue green; belly yellowish white, pectoral fins with numerous, dark checkered spots (Ref. 55763).
Biology:  Epipelagic in coastal waters. Capable of leaping and gliding 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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