Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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The Incredible Flying Fish. Huell Howser on his years-ago California's Gold educational travel program, Presented 'An evening 'flying fish' boat cruise on Catalina Island.' Out on the water after dark, using large WWI spot lights, The disturbed fish would burst out of the water and glide for hundreds of feet. It was a spectacle that all the passengers thoroughly enjoyed. I remembered this presentation and decided to investigate this fascinating fish. Besides California, these species range in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Their family, Exocoetidae, includes 40 to 70 species. They evolved 40-million-years ago, after the dinosaurs became extinct. Their fins are not used for flapping, but rather to glide, After they break the ocean surface and glide for hundreds of feet. They must inhabit warm surface waters above 68 degrees F (20 degrees C). In colder waters, their metabolic rates drop, reducing muscular performance. They are abundant in the upper level (epipelagic zone) of coastal and deep seas. Their flying demonstrates the phenomenon of 'convergent evolution,' Meaning that the 'flying trait' evolved many times within independent lineages. An ancient fish family (240-million-years ago) called Thoropteridae Had wing-like fins and asymmetrical tails, but became completely extinct. In modern flying fish, mutations in only two critical genes, Caused the physical elongation of their pectoral fins. The skull shape was modified, and the lower caudal fin lobe elongated, Which allowed them to beat the water to create vertical thrust. Both the pectoral and pelvic fins were enlarged, giving lift; And in advanced species, scales were minimized to decrease drag. Flying fish have mistakenly landed on boat decks for millenia, So humans have been familiar with them intimately. Much maritime lore documents this fish's behavior. People world-wide, but especially in Japan and Taiwan, Have prized this fish for consumption, including its roe. The national dish ('Cou Cou and Flying Fish') of Barbados Is half filled with the contents of just flying fish! Barbadian history recounts maritime territorial Caribbean disputes. Truly, this is a fascinating and prized food fish, Discovered and utilized by ancient and modern peoples. Frank Maurer 26 June 2026 1330 Hours.