The Atlantic smallwing flyingfish (*Cheilopogon melanurus*) is a small, pelagic species known for its ability to glide above the water’s surface to escape predators. Found throughout the tropical and subtropical Atlantic Ocean, this fish is especially abundant in the Caribbean Sea and off the coasts of West Africa. While not a major commercial target globally, the Atlantic smallwing flyingfish is harvested primarily by small-scale and artisanal fisheries in countries such as Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and other Caribbean nations, where it is an important part of local diets and fishing traditions. In these regions, flyingfish are caught using gillnets and dip nets, often in conjunction with the seasonal migration patterns of the species. The fishing industry for flyingfish in these countries is closely tied to local culture and cuisine, with Barbados, in particular, famous for its flyingfish dishes and even featuring the fish as a national symbol. While less significant in terms of global seafood trade, the Atlantic smallwing flyingfish remains vital to the livelihoods and food security of coastal communities in the Caribbean.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.