Flying fish do not really fly. They glide. Propelled by their tails, they leap into air

at the speed up to 20 m.p.h. and use their wide pectoral fins as wings.

They usually glide close to the ocean’s surface where a flick of the tail against the water can produce

extra impetus. Flying fish are known to soar up to 20 feet into the air and stay aloft up to 1300 feet.