Depth
Cheilopogon · Bony Fish

Mediterranean Flyingfish

Cheilopogon heterurus

0-20m
Depth Range
35cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-20m
Depth Range
35cm
Max Size
Pelagic / Surface
Habitat
Planktivore
Diet
Small schools
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Moderate
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusCheilopogon
Speciesheterurus

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationStreamlined body with greatly enlarged pectoral fins used for gliding. Blue-grey back and silver flanks. Pectoral fins are darkish with a pale trailing edge. Enlarged pelvic fins also assist in flight.
  • SizeUp to 40 cm total length, commonly 20 to 30 cm.
  • Social HabitSchooling species found in open water near the surface. Groups scatter by launching into the air when threatened.
  • HabitatPelagic, surface waters of the open sea. Approaches the surface to glide when disturbed by predators.
  • DepthSurface to 20 m, primarily in the top few metres.
  • Feeds OnZooplankton and small crustaceans near the ocean surface.
  • DistributionMediterranean Sea and adjacent eastern Atlantic.
  • DescriptionThe most common flyingfish in the Mediterranean, capable of gliding 50 m or more above the water surface using its expanded pectoral fins. This behaviour is an escape response to underwater predators. Rarely seen by divers underwater but may be spotted from boats during crossings.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found in warm surface waters of the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic. Most commonly spotted over deep offshore water where it glides to escape subsurface predators. Occasionally seen near the Maltese coast in summer.

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, particularly in warm water over deep seabed. Approaches coastlines during calm, warm conditions.

Encounter Tips

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

Mediterranean Flyingfish species card

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Cheilopogon heterurus 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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