Beloniformes Collection

Gyre flyingfish (Prognichthys glaphyrae) photographed in the Sargasso Sea, Atlantic Ocean

Fishes: Atlantic agujon needlefish (Tylosurus acus), illustration
Zoology - Fishes - Beloniformes - Atlantic agujon needlefish (Tylosurus acus), illustration

Picture No. 11676344
Black Wing Flyingfish leaping above ocean (composite image) Date:

Fishes: Beloniformes, Mediterranean spearfish (Tetrapturus belone )
Zoology - Fishes - Beloniformes - Mediterranean spearfish (Tetrapturus belone), illustration

Fishes: Beloniformes, Garfish (Belone belone), illustration
Zoology - Fishes - Beloniformes - Garfish (Belone belone), illustration

Exocoetus volitans, tropical two-winged flyingfish
Ff. 240. Watercolour painting by George Forster made during Captain James Cooks second voyage to explore the southern continent (1772-75)

LS Plate 154 from the John Reeves Collection
John Reeves, a 19th Century Tea Inspector, travelled to Canton, China in order to develop a large collection of Chinese natural history drawings

Cypselurus poecilopterus, yellow-wing flyingfish
Ff. 109 Vol 2. Watercolour painting by Sydney Parkinson made during Captain James Cooks first voyage to explore the southern continent 1768-1771

Pursuit of Flying Fish by Dolphins & Birds
A line drawing from The Ocean by P. H. Gosse 1846 Page 183 illustrating a pursuit of flying fish by dolphins and birds

Cheilopogon sp. flyingfish

Hyporhamphus ihi, garfish
Hand coloured etching from The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama islands (1731) Vol. 2 by Mark Catesby

Oliver Crimmen with fish specimen
Photograph of Oliver Crimmen, a curator at the Natural History Museum, London. The specimen featured is a Cypselurus bahiensis, four winged flying fish from the North Atlantic

Cypselurus californicus, four-winged flyingfish
Specimen jar containing a four-winged flyingfish (Cypselurus californicus), held in the Darwin Centre at The Natural History Museum, London

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

Beloniformes, also known as the needlefish or flying fish family, is a fascinating group of marine creatures that never fails to captivate our imagination. These agile swimmers are renowned for their unique ability to glide above the water's surface, evading predators and covering impressive distances. One remarkable sight in the open ocean is witnessing tuna chasing after flying fish with astonishing speed and precision. It's a thrilling display of nature's relentless pursuit and survival instincts at play. The Tropic of Cancer serves as a stage for this captivating chase, where these two species engage in an exhilarating dance. In the Sargasso Sea of the Atlantic Ocean, one can find the mesmerizing Gyre flyingfish (Prognichthys glaphyrae). Its iridescent scales glisten under the sun as it gracefully soars through the air. This stunning creature reminds us of nature's artistic prowess and its ability to create wonders even in seemingly desolate places. The adult Black skimmer (Rynchops niger), adorned in its breeding plumage, is another member that captures attention effortlessly. With its striking black-and-white appearance and uniquely designed beak for skimming across water surfaces while hunting prey, it stands out among other avian species. The Tropical Two-wing Flyingfish (Exocoetus volitans) showcases pectoral fins resembling wings on either side of its body—an adaptation that allows it to achieve impressive aerial maneuvers. Illustrated from a side view, this species exemplifies how evolution has shaped animals into extraordinary forms suited for their environment. Within this diverse family lies various members like Mediterranean spearfish (Tetrapturus belone), Atlantic agujon needlefish (Tylosurus acus), and Garfish (Belone belone). Each possesses distinct characteristics that make them integral parts of marine ecosystems worldwide. From historical illustrations found in LS Plate 154 from John Reeves Collection to modern photographs like Picture No.