Fish diurnal

Blackwing Flyingfish

Hirundichthys rondeletii

Meet the ocean's most daring aviators, the Blackwing Flyingfish. These shimmering gliders blur the line between sea and sky, leaping from the waves to soar through the air in a breathtaking display of survival.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Typically 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) in length, with a maximum size of around 12 inches (30 cm).

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Colors

Iridescent dark blue or blackish on the back, transitioning to a brilliant silvery-white on the belly. The large pectoral fins are notably dark with a pale trailing edge.

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Key Features

Large, wing-like pectoral fins that reach past the start of the dorsal fin
Unevenly forked tail with a significantly longer lower lobe
Streamlined, cylindrical body shape
Dark, almost black coloration on the 'wings' compared to other species

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours Dawn and dusk for feeding activity; nighttime for light-attraction.

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

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Diet Omnivorous foragers that primarily consume zooplankton, small crustaceans, and fish larvae found near the ocean's surface.

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Habitat Pelagic (open ocean) waters in tropical and subtropical regions, frequently appearing near coastlines and island chains.

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Behavior

The Blackwing Flyingfish is best known for its extraordinary ability to 'fly' above the ocean surface. To escape predators like tuna, mackerel, and billfish, these fish swim toward the surface at speeds up to 35 miles per hour. They break the surface and use their powerful, elongated lower tail lobe to 'taxi' along the water before fully launching into a glide that can cover hundreds of feet.

These fish are highly social and are often found in large schools, especially in areas where warm currents meet. While they spend their lives in the open ocean, they are frequently drawn toward coastal areas by seasonal changes in water temperature. They are also known for being highly attracted to light, which often leads them to leap toward boats or brightly lit docks at night.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Blackwing Flyingfish requires a unique approach because they are marine animals. If you live on a waterfront property or have access to a pier, the best way to capture them is by mounting a high-speed camera to a stable piling or a floating dock. Position the camera about 2 to 3 feet above the water line, angled slightly downward. Because their glides are incredibly fast, use a camera capable of at least 60 frames per second (fps) to avoid motion blur and catch the detail of their 'wings' in flight.

To bring these fish into your camera’s field of view, utilize their natural attraction to light. Submersible green LED lights or high-powered surface floodlights are incredibly effective. Set your camera to trigger on motion near these light sources at night. You will often capture not just the fish swimming, but the spectacular moment they break the surface. Ensure your equipment is housed in a salt-rated waterproof casing, as salt spray is highly corrosive and can ruin standard trail cameras quickly.

For the best daytime shots, choose days with a light 'chop' on the water. A slight breeze creates the surface tension necessary for the fish to initiate their glides more easily, increasing your chances of capturing an aerial shot. If you are using a triggered camera, set the sensitivity to high, as the silver flash of a flyingfish is brief. Since they move in schools, one trigger usually leads to a series of spectacular images, so set your camera to 'burst mode' to catch the entire sequence of the glide.

Similar Species

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

Atlantic Flyingfish

Larger in size with lighter, more transparent pectoral fins and a more prominent dorsal fin.

Mediterranean Flyingfish

Possesses a lighter coloring on the underside of the wings and is generally found in more temperate waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Blackwing Flyingfish are most active during the day for gliding, but they move closer to the surface at night to feed on plankton, which is when they are most easily attracted to lights.

The most effective way to attract them is by using bright LED lights (especially green or white) submerged just below the water or pointed directly at the surface at night.

Their diet consists mainly of tiny organisms found in the 'surface film' of the ocean, including zooplankton, larval fish, and small crustaceans.

Yes, while they are pelagic fish, they are very common in coastal subtropical waters, especially during the warmer months when they follow warm current pulses.

The Blackwing Flyingfish is distinguished by its exceptionally dark, almost black pectoral fins and its smaller, more streamlined size compared to the larger Atlantic Flyingfish.

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