Fish diurnal

Bennett's Flyingfish

Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus

The ultimate escape artist of the ocean, Bennett's Flyingfish blurs the line between sea and sky with its spectacular glides. Watch as this iridescent marvel turns the ocean surface into a high-speed runway.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Up to 40 cm (16 inches) in length; typically weighing 0.5 to 1.5 lbs

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Colors

Dark iridescent blue or black on the back, transitioning to bright silver on the belly; pectoral fins are generally dusky with dark spotting

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Key Features

Oversized, wing-like pectoral fins
Heavily forked tail with a significantly longer lower lobe
Large, high-set eyes for surface navigation
Streamlined, torpedo-shaped body

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 9 AM - 4 PM for aerial displays; also active at night near surface light sources

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Season Year-round in tropical waters; late spring through early autumn in subtropical regions

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Diet Primarily feeds on zooplankton, larval fish, and small crustaceans found in the nutrient-rich surface layers of the ocean.

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Habitat Epipelagic zone (open ocean surface) of tropical and subtropical seas, frequently spotted near coastal drop-offs and island chains.

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Behavior

Bennett's Flyingfish is a master of the 'air-sea' interface. While they are technically fish, they are famous for their ability to escape underwater predators by launching themselves into the air. By beating their tails rapidly—up to 50 times per second—while still submerged, they generate enough speed to break the surface and spread their wide pectoral fins, gliding for distances of over 150 feet.

These fish are highly social and are often found in large schools, which helps protect individuals from the many predators that hunt them from below. They spend almost their entire lives in the top few meters of the ocean, making them a fascinating subject for coastal observers and offshore enthusiasts alike.

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Camera Tips

Capturing Bennett's Flyingfish requires a unique approach since they live in the 'backyard' of the ocean. If you have a coastal property, pier, or boat, the best setup involves mounting your camera 3-5 feet above the water line. Angle the lens slightly downward to catch the water's surface. Because these fish move at incredible speeds—often exceeding 35 mph during a glide—you must use a high frame rate (at least 60fps, though 120fps is better) to avoid a blurry image of their 'wings.'

While you can't use traditional birdseed or corn, you can use light as a lure. At night, Bennett's Flyingfish are naturally drawn to white or green LED submerged lights. Position your camera to face the 'halo' of the light where it hits the surface. This attracts the zooplankton the fish eat, often bringing the fish themselves right into your frame. Set your AI trigger to high sensitivity, as the silver reflection of their scales can be very brief.

Weather conditions are a major factor for successful captures. Look for days with a light breeze. A small amount of surface chop actually helps the fish catch the air more effectively, leading to longer and more frequent glides. Avoid setup during heavy storms, as the salt spray can coat your lens; always use a marine-grade waterproof housing and clean the lens with fresh water and a microfiber cloth daily to maintain clarity.

For the best action shots, try to place your camera near areas where currents converge or near kelp paddies. These 'edges' in the ocean act as highways for marine life, increasing your chances of catching a school in flight. If your AI camera supports pre-roll recording, enable it—this ensures you capture the moment they break the water's surface, which is often the most dramatic part of the footage.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Bennett's Flyingfish.

California Flyingfish

Much larger than Bennett's, often reaching 18 inches, and found specifically in the Eastern Pacific.

Atlantic Flyingfish

Features a more prominent white band on the wing-like fins and is generally smaller in size.

Frequently Asked Questions

They are primarily diurnal, meaning they are most active during daylight hours when they forage for plankton. However, they are easily attracted to artificial lights at night, which can provide excellent nighttime viewing opportunities.

If your 'backyard' is on the coast, use high-powered underwater LED lights at night. These attract the microscopic organisms that Bennett's Flyingfish feed on, bringing them directly to your dock or pier.

They are planktivores, meaning they consume zooplankton, tiny crustaceans, and the floating eggs or larvae of other marine species found at the surface.

They are only found in marine environments. They are common sights for residents of coastal Florida, Hawaii, and other tropical or subtropical waterfront regions.

Bennett's is one of the larger species of flyingfish. Look for the distinct dark spots on their pectoral fins and their larger overall body size compared to the smaller, clear-winged Tropical Flyingfish.

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