Exocoetus monocirrhus Richardson, 1846
Barbel flyingfish
Exocoetus monocirrhus
photo by FAO

Family:  Exocoetidae (Flyingfishes)
Max. size:  20 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-oceanic; marine; depth range 0 - 20 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific: widespread throughout the tropical zone, from East Africa to Central America.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-14; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 12-14. Body dark iridescent blue above, silvery white below; pectorals and caudal fin greyish or brownish, other fins unpigmented (Ref. 2797). Juveniles with black bars (Ref. 2797).
Biology:  Epipelagic in oceanic and neritic waters (Ref. 9839). May leap out of the water and glide for considerable distances above the surface.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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