California flying fish
| California flyingfish | |
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| Species: | Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus californicus
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Cypselurus californicus | |
The California flying fish (Accepted scientific names: Cypselurus californicus or Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus californicus) is a flying fish up to 18 inches (45 cm) in length, and up to 2 lbs (1 kg) in weight. It is the largest species of the flying fish family.
It is found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, from Oregon to Baja California.
While it does not actually fly, it will swim up to 30 mph and launch itself into the air, using its specially adapted fins to glide for up to 1/4 mile. Its tail fins will vibrate to taxi along the surface.
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