Cheilopogon cyanopterus (Valenciennes, 1847)
Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 14; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 9 - 11. Body dark, iridescent blue dorsally, silvery white below; pectorals bluish black; dorsal fin with prominent black spot (Ref. 2797).
Common Names
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Teleostei
Order: Beloniformes
Family: Exocoetidae
Genus: Cheilopogon
Species: Cheilopogon cyanopterus (Valenciennes, 1847)
Climate Zone
Location
- Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and South Africa (including the Mascarenes, Ref. 33390) to southern Japan, Taiwan, Mariana, Caroline and Solomon islands, Queensland and the Arafura Sea (Ref. 9819). Western Atlantic: New Jersey, USA and northern Gulf of Mexico (Ref. 7251) to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Eastern Atlantic: Guinea to Gabon.
Biology
Inhabits both neritic and oceanic surface waters (Ref. 30573). Capable of leaping out of the water and gliding for long distances above the surface (Ref. 30573). Feeds mostly on crustaceans and other planktonic organisms; often attracted to lights at night (Ref. 2797).
Habitat
oceanic
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Threat to Humans
Harmless
Cheilopogon cyanopterus (Valenciennes, 1847)