Depth
Hirundichthys · Bony Fish

Black Wing Flyingfish

Hirundichthys rondeletii

0-20m
Depth Range
25cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-20m
Depth Range
25cm
Max Size
Pelagic / Surface
Habitat
Planktivore
Diet
Small schools
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Moderate
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusHirundichthys
Speciesrondeletii

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationStreamlined, torpedo-shaped body with greatly enlarged pectoral fins that act as wings. Dark blue-black dorsal surface with silvery flanks. Pectoral fins are dark-coloured.
  • SizeUp to 30 cm total length, commonly around 20 cm.
  • Social HabitSchooling species found in open water. Groups can number in the hundreds near the surface.
  • HabitatPelagic, living in the upper water column of the open sea. Approaches the surface to glide over waves when startled.
  • DepthSurface to 20 m in the upper epipelagic zone.
  • Feeds OnZooplankton, small crustaceans, and larval fish near the ocean surface.
  • DistributionTropical and subtropical Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Indian Ocean.
  • DescriptionA remarkable open-water fish that can launch itself from the surface and glide for distances of 50 m or more using its enlarged pectoral fins. This behaviour helps it escape predators such as tuna and dolphinfish. It is rarely seen underwater by divers but may be spotted from boats during crossings.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Inhabits warm surface waters across the Mediterranean and the eastern Atlantic. Primarily offshore, it is seen near Malta during summer when sea temperatures peak. Stays within the upper few metres of the water column.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Open ocean surface layer, typically far from shore over deep water. Attracted to light at night, sometimes found near boats.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Black Wing Flyingfish species card

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Hirundichthys rondeletii may be encountered will be added as sighting data is collected.

IUCN Red ListLeast Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes.

Source: IUCN Red List
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