The
Exocoetidae are a
family of
marine fish in the
order Beloniformes of
class Actinopterygii.
Fish of this family are known as
flying fish. About 64
species are grouped in seven to nine
genera. Flying fish can make powerful, self-propelled leaps out of water into air, where their long, wing-like fins enable
gliding flight for considerable distances above the water's surface. This uncommon ability is a natural defense mechanism to evade predators.