California flying fish

The California flying fish, Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus californicus, is a subspecies of Pacific flying fish. It may grow up to 15 inches (38 cm) in length and is the largest member of the flying fish family. It is found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, from Oregon to Baja California. As with all other flying fish, the California can not actually fly, but it can launch itself into the air, using its specially adapted fins to glide along the surface.

Flying fish spend most of their time in the open ocean but come close to shore at night to forage and lay eggs in the protection of kelp beds. The flying fish commonly seen around Catalina, has large scales, a forked tail and grows to 18 inches long. They glide on extended pectoral fins that resemble wings and keep their bodies aloft until they hit the water with a splash.