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Sculptures by Phyllis Bone

SERIES ATHERINIOMORPHA

Members of this series generally have a surface-orientated body shape, flattened heads, large eyes, upturned mouths and dorsal fins placed far back on body – features which permit increased efficiency of movement and feeding.

Exocoetus sp.

Exocoetus sp., a flying fish (Order Beloniformes, Family Exocoetidae). Flying fish use their long pectoral fins for gliding after they have jumped out of the water, probably to escape predators. Large fish may fly as far as 100 m. Other well-known examples of the series are the killifish and mosquito fish.