Fish diurnal

Atlantic Flyingfish

Cheilopogon melanurus

Meet the Atlantic Ocean's most impressive aviators, capable of soaring above the waves to escape predators. These shimmering silver gliders bridge the gap between the sea and the sky with grace and speed.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Typically 25–32 cm (10–12.5 inches) in length; weight usually under 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs)

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Colors

Iridescent dark blue or greenish-blue on top; silvery-white belly; pectoral fins are dark with a clear or light-colored trailing edge

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Key Features

Wing-like pectoral fins reaching nearly to the tail base
Unevenly forked tail with a significantly longer lower lobe
Cylindrical, torpedo-shaped body
Large, prominent eyes for surface navigation

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 10 AM - 4 PM for gliding activity; after dark for light attraction

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Season June-September (in North Atlantic regions)

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Diet Omnivorous surface feeders focusing on zooplankton, small crustaceans, and fish larvae

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Habitat Tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, usually pelagic but occasionally found near coastal drop-offs

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Behavior

The Atlantic Flyingfish is best known for its extraordinary ability to 'fly'—or more accurately, glide—to escape underwater predators like tuna, marlin, and dolphins. By beating its tail rapidly against the water's surface (up to 50 times per second), it can launch itself into the air and glide for distances exceeding 150 feet. These glides are often sustained by catching updrafts created by waves, allowing the fish to remain airborne for several seconds at heights of up to 4 or 5 feet.

Socially, they are often found in schools, which provides safety in numbers in the open ocean. When one fish breaks the surface, others often follow, creating a spectacular display of silver streaks across the water. While they spend their lives in the epipelagic zone (the surface layer of the ocean), they are highly sensitive to light and are often attracted to the glow of ships or coastal structures at night.

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Camera Tips

Capturing an Atlantic Flyingfish on a backyard camera requires a 'wet backyard'—specifically a dock, a seawall, or a boat-mounted setup. To get the best results, position your AI-powered camera roughly 2 to 3 feet above the water line, angled slightly downward to capture the surface tension. Because these fish move at speeds up to 35 mph when exiting the water, a high shutter speed (1/2000s or faster) is essential to freeze the action and avoid motion blur on their 'wings.'

Since they are attracted to light, night-time photography can be very successful using a dock-mounted submersible green light or a powerful floodlight directed at the water's surface. This creates a focal point where the fish may congregate or accidentally land. For daytime shots, use a circular polarizing filter on your lens to cut through the ocean's glare, which helps the camera’s AI sensor distinguish the silver body of the fish from the reflective whitecaps of the waves.

If you are setting up a camera on a stationary pier, look for areas where current breaks or tide lines occur, as these naturally concentrate the plankton that Atlantic Flyingfish feed on. During the summer months, keep your camera triggered for 'high-speed motion' events. Because their flight path is often erratic, a wide-angle lens is preferred over a telephoto lens to ensure the fish stays within the frame during its entire glide.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Atlantic Flyingfish.

Fourwing Flyingfish

Has much larger pelvic fins that act as a second set of wings, whereas the Atlantic Flyingfish relies primarily on its pectoral fins.

Blue Flyingfish

Smaller in size with a more uniform silvery-blue color and shorter pectoral fins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlantic Flyingfish are primarily diurnal, meaning they are most active during daylight hours when they feed on plankton. However, they are easily observed at night because they are strongly attracted to artificial light sources near docks and boats.

If your 'backyard' is a coastal dock, the best way to attract Atlantic Flyingfish is by using high-intensity underwater LED lights at night. They are naturally drawn to the light and the small organisms that congregate around it.

Their diet consists mainly of zooplankton and small organisms found in the top layer of the ocean. They use their large eyes to spot tiny crustaceans and fish larvae floating near the surface.

They are only common in suburban areas that directly border the Atlantic coast. They are pelagic fish, so they are most frequently seen from piers, bridges, or boats in saltwater environments.

You can distinguish the Atlantic Flyingfish by its exceptionally long pectoral fins that reach the base of the tail and its dark blue-green dorsal coloration. Unlike some other flyingfish, Cheilopogon melanurus has a distinct dark band on its dorsal fin and a clear trailing edge on its 'wings.'

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