or the FLYING FISH, in ichthyology, a genus belonging to the order of abdominales. The head is scaly, and it has no teeth; it has 10 radii in the branchiolete membrane; the body is whitish, and the belly is angular: the pectoral fins, the instruments of flight, are very large. When pursued by any other fish, it raises itself from the water by means of these long fins, and flies in the air to a considerable distance, till the fins dry, and then it falls down into the water. It is a fish that seems to lead a most miserable life. In its own element, it is perpetually harassed by dorados and other fish of prey. If it endeavours to avoid them by having recourse to the air, it either meets its fate from the gulls or the albatrosses, or is forced down again into the mouth of the inhabitants of the water, who, below, keep pace with its aerial excursion. This fish is caught in the Mediterranean and some other seas. It is most common between the tropics, and there its enemies are more particularly numerous. In these climates the flying fishes spring out of the water by hundreds, to escape the rapacity of the dolphins, sharks, &c. When flying, they have as formidable enemies to encounter with in that element, viz. the pelican, eagle, diomedea, &c. and frequently throw themselves on board the ships to escape their pursuit. Their flesh is said to be palatable and nourishing food.