The Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus ssp. Californicus is one of the 40 known species of flying fish that have pectoral fins and asymmetrical tails which allows them to fly! Sources say they have evolved this gliding ability as a way to escape their many predators in the water. Their torpedo-like shape helps them build enough speed underwater to reach the air while their wing-like pectoral fins help them glide up to 4 feet above the water. Flying fish can glide for as long as 655 feet and can repetitively do so for distances as long as 1,312 feet!!