Latin name

Exocoetus obtusirostris

Other name

Blunt-snouted flyingfish

Identification

Externally, Exocoetus obtusirostris is similar to the tropical Exocoetus volitans, with which it shares much of its range, but differs in some characteristics: the head is rather blunt, with the forehead sloping steeply downward in front of the eyes; the pectoral fins reach to the base of the caudal fin; the beginning of the anal fin is slightly ahead of the beginning of the dorsal fin, and the dorsal fin itself is colorless. 

Features of fish fins

Have very small pelvic fins, while other species have pelvic fins that extend to the beginning of the anal fin. 

Fish colouring

Like all flyingfish, Oceanic two-winged fly-fishes are of opposite coloration, dark blue on the back and white on the belly.

Distribution

Endemic to the tropical and subtropical Atlantic. In the western Atlantic its range includes the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Atlantic it extends from Namibia to Madeira, the Azores, and possibly the westernmost Mediterranean Sea. 

Habitat

A marine pelagic-neritic oceanodromous species. Occurs in surface waters, both near shore and in the open ocean, inhabiting depths from 0 to 20 m (66 ft).

Size

This species can reach a length of 25 centimeters (10 inches). 

Behavior

Capable of jumping out of the water and gliding long distances above the surface.

Food and feeding habits

The diet of the Oceanic Two-Wing Flyingfish consists of small planktonic invertebrates, mainly copepods and chaetognathas. It is eaten by various predatory fish, as well as squid, dolphins and seabirds. 

Reproduction

Fish become sexually mature when they reach about 15 centimeters (6 inches) in length. The female lays several eggs over a period of about five days, producing an average of 10,000 eggs. All fry die shortly after hatching.

Fishing

The oceanic two-winged flyingfish is not a target fish, so there are no particular threats to it.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.