A flying fish is a remarkable ocean fish that can leap out of the water and glide through the air for surprisingly long distances. These fish have enlarged, wing-like fins that let them soar above the waves, sometimes traveling over 600 feet in a single glide. They pick up speed underwater, then burst through the surface and spread their fins to catch the air, looking like tiny silver airplanes skimming just above the ocean.

Flying fish don't actually fly the way birds do. They can't flap their fins to gain altitude. Instead, they glide using the momentum from their underwater sprint, similar to how a paper airplane sails after you throw it. Sometimes they even skim along the surface, dipping their tails back into the water to pick up more speed for another glide.

Why would a fish need to fly? Flying fish use this ability to escape from predators like tuna and dolphins. When a hungry predator chases them underwater, they launch themselves into the air where most ocean predators can't follow. It's one of nature's most creative escape tactics: if you can't outswim your enemy, try a different element entirely.