The Four Wings
The pectoral fins are especially long, while enlarged pelvic fins contribute the second pair of apparent wings. Dark pectorals have pale markings near their bases and edges. The fish glides after leaving the water; the fins do not perform bird-like powered flight.
Atlantic Range
Western records include the Gulf Stream region, Caribbean and waters toward Brazil. Eastern Atlantic records include tropical African coasts. Schools can occur in both coastal and offshore water, so distance from land alone does not define suitable habitat.
Size and Observation
The maximum reference length is 33 centimeters including the tail. A surface sighting may be brief, and several flyingfishes have enlarged paired fins. A clear view of fin proportions and pattern provides stronger evidence than simply seeing a fish leave the water.
A Glide Is a Clue
The airborne glide identifies a flyingfish group, while fin proportions and markings help establish which species made the leap.
All Lakes With Fourwing Flyingfish
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Fourwing Flyingfish records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.