There is a kind of fish which can glide like a glider. It is called a ‘flying fish’. It does not fly like birds, because it has no wings. It first swims very fast on the surface of water up to a speed of about 65 km/hr and then spreads its front fins and starts flying in the air. The fins remain spread firmly during the flight with the help of its muscles. But as soon as it lands on water, they shrink to their original position.
The most common flying fish is the two-winged type, which is found in all tropical seas. It is about 25 cms long. The largest flying fish is about 45 cms long and has four wings. It lives off the coast of California. The length of flying fishes varies from 5 cms to 45 cms. Sometimes while flying it dashes against the water waves. At that time it looks very beautiful. The collision with waves gives it extra energy and it can further fly up to greater distances. It usually flies quite high in the air. A flying fish can glide for over half a minute.