FISH THAT FLY OVER THE SEA

image courtesy - Physics Central

The flying fish, found in tropical and subtropical seas, escapes danger by flying above the surface of the water. It flies using greatly elongated pectoral fins. When pursued by predators, such as dolphins, billfish, and sharks, it swims rapidly to the surface, at about 32 km/h (20 mph), keeping its fins flat to its body. It then launches itself out of the water,opens its fins like wings, and glides. As it loses power and drops to the surface, the fish gains a second wind. Vibrating its tail from side to side at about 50 beats per second, it takes off again across the water surtace at speeds approaching 65 km/h (40 mph). Usually the fish glides for about 40-50 m (44-55 yd), but one of the longest flights observed lasted for 42 seconds and covered about 600 m (656 yd). Flying fish have been found 

FISH OUT OF WATER 

As it begins to leave the water a flying fish propels itself along by trailing the tip of its tail in the sea. Once launched it spreads Out its pelvic wings to provide lift as it glides. On decks of large ships as much as 9 m (30 ft) above the sea surface. Thev probably took oft into a gust of wind and were carried high into the air. Some predators have worked out how to catch flying fish. Dolphins have been seen to anticipateflight paths, swim rapidly ahead, and grab their unfortunate victims as they re-enter the water. Acrobatic frigate birds swoop down out of the sky and snatch them in midair,