Fodiator rostratus (Günther, 1866)
photo by Robertson, R.

Family:  Exocoetidae (Flyingfishes)
Max. size:  19 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range - 0 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Baja California, Mexico and the Gulf of California to Peru, including the Clipperton and Galapagos Islands. Records from the Indo-West Pacific are misidentifications, e.g. of Parexocoetus mento (Ref. 27313).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-11; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 9-12; Vertebrae: 39-41. Branchiostegal rays: 9-11 (Ref. 36606).
Biology:  Epipelagic and neritic, usually at surface in warm coastal waters (Ref. 33606). May leap out of the water and glide for considerable distances above the surface. Oviparous, with planktonic larvae (Ref. 36606). Eggs are attached to floating objects via long filaments (Ref. 36606).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 May 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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