Exocoetidae

noun

Distribution: Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Jaws of the same length and relatively short. Pectoral fins unusually large and can be used for gliding flights. Moreover, some species have unusually large pelvic fins giving them a four-winged appearance. Caudal fin deeply forked; the upper lobe shorter than the lower. Swimbladder extends into haemal canal; 39-51 vertebrae. A pair of long, flaplike whiskers in the juveniles of many species. Attains 45 cm maximum length; usually below 30 cm.

The family Exocoetidae belongs to the Class Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) and the Order Beloniformes. It contains 8 genera and 52 species. It may be found in Marine environments and is primarily Marine. Members of this family are not used in the aquarium trade. Reproductively, most members of this family are nonguarders. The main mode of swimming of adult fish in this family is carangiform. Compared with other fish, the activity level of this family tends to be very active. Members of this family have been dated back to the Miocene epoch of the Tertiary period. Etymology of this family name: Greek, exo = outside + Greek, koite = nest, hollow