The Atlantic flyingfish (Cheilopogon melanurus) is a small, streamlined fish known for its remarkable ability to glide above the ocean surface to escape predators, using its elongated pectoral fins as "wings." This species inhabits warm Atlantic waters, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. While the Atlantic flyingfish is not a major commercial target compared to other pelagic fish, it is harvested in several countries, especially for local consumption and as bait in tuna and billfish fisheries. The top countries involved in the fishing of Atlantic flyingfish include Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and other Caribbean island nations, where the species holds cultural and economic significance—most notably in Barbados, where flyingfish is a national symbol and staple food. Small-scale fisheries using gillnets and dip nets are the primary methods of capture, and the fishery supports local livelihoods and tourism, though catches have fluctuated due to environmental changes and competition with larger pelagic fisheries.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liberia | 7 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.