Flying fish do glide above the ocean, but they launch from the water—they do not fly down from the sky. Reports of fish falling during or after storms are a separate phenomenon. Waterspouts and storm updrafts have been proposed as explanations, but the mechanism has not been scientifically observed or tested in the cited account.
How do flying fish get into the air?
Flying fish are real, and National Geographic describes at least 40 known species. Their flight starts underwater: a streamlined body helps them build speed, then enlarged, wing-like pectoral fins support a glide after they break the surface. National Geographic gives an underwater launch speed of about 37 miles per hour and says a glide can reach up to 655 feet; consecutive glides may cover up to 1,312 feet. It also reports that they may rise more than 4 feet above the water. These figures describe gliding from the sea, not travel through the atmosphere from a storm.
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Despite the name, flying fish do not flap their fins to fly like birds. They use the air above the water to glide, often escaping predators. National Geographic describes them as inhabitants of warm ocean waters: Flying Fish.
Can it rain fish?
People have reported finding fish after storms, but a report is not proof that fish fell from clouds or that a particular weather event carried them there. Waterspouts and strong storm updrafts have been proposed as ways small animals might be lifted and later fall. However, National Geographic Education says the waterspout theory has not been tested or scientifically observed. The evidence cited here therefore does not establish how any specific reported fish-rain event happened.
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A 2014 National Geographic Education account describes a report of fish rain in a Sri Lankan village and suggests that a tornado crossing river systems or coastal water could be one possible explanation. It presents that as a hypothesis, not a confirmed cause: Fish Rain Down on Sri Lankan Village.
The Library of Congress summary notes that eyewitness reports exist, while cautioning that animals found after storms can be misidentified as having fallen with the rain. Its page could not be directly accessed for this account, so that point rests on the search-result summary: Can it rain frogs, fish, and other objects?
Rank #2
- Very Interesting Toy：This Remote Controlled Flying Shark Or Clownfish flies through the room while imitating the movement of their undersea relatives by driving themselves with lifelike fins, A remote controls the air dwellers, moving in different directions as they avoid obstacles such as staircases. This is perfect for indoors and for home parties. This will also make a great gift!(not for outdoor use)
- Product Size: 155.00 x 100.00 x 60.00 cm / 61.02 x 39.37 x 23.62 inches.
- Note:The remote control is powered by 3pcs AAA battery ( not included ) and the toy is powered by 1pc AAA battery ( not included )
- The assembly of accessories requires a lot of hands-on skills, and it is recommended that you check the product assembly video on the website before you buy!
- Note: Inflatable sharks are filled with helium gas. Helium gas is provided in flower shops, 4S shops, and car wash shops. Due to transportation reasons, the package does not contain gas - can be reinflated over and over.
What is a waterspout?
NOAA defines a waterspout as “a whirling column of air and water mist.” It is not best understood as a solid column of seawater being sucked into the sky. NOAA distinguishes two types:
| Type | How it forms | Storm association and movement |
|---|---|---|
| Tornadic waterspout | A tornado that forms over water or moves from land to water. | Associated with a thunderstorm; NOAA notes that waterspouts can be dangerous, particularly if they reach shore. |
| Fair-weather waterspout | Forms at the water’s surface. | Usually moves little and typically dissipates rapidly on land. |
These definitions explain possible weather phenomena; they do not show that either type transported fish in a reported incident. NOAA’s explainer, last updated June 16, 2024, is at What is a waterspout?
Rank #3
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How to judge a claim that fish fell from the sky
Separate what witnesses said they saw from what anyone has established about the cause. A careful account can report where fish were found and when, then identify a waterspout or updraft as a proposed explanation unless there is independent evidence confirming it. The sources cited here provide no reliable statistic for how often fish rain occurs or how frequently waterspouts transport animals.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- REALISTIC APPEARANCE: Our Flying Fish toy is blue all over, The adorable face and squeezable body of our blue fish plush are made from premium cloth and filler. its the blue fur is smooth and soft, big blue wings Design, the overall shape design is realistic, and the face design is unique, very realistic. The smart eyes make it more vivid and lifelike.
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Rank #4
- Very Interesting Toy：This Remote Controlled Flying Shark Or Clownfish flies through the room while imitating the movement of their undersea relatives by driving themselves with lifelike fins, A remote controls the air dwellers, moving in different directions as they avoid obstacles such as staircases. This is perfect for indoors and for home parties. This will also make a great gift!(not for outdoor use)
- Product Size: 155.00 x 100.00 x 60.00 cm / 61.02 x 39.37 x 23.62 inches.
- Note:The remote control is powered by 3pcs AAA battery ( not included ) and the toy is powered by 1pc AAA battery ( not included )
- The assembly of accessories requires a lot of hands-on skills, and it is recommended that you check the product assembly video on the website before you buy!
- Note: Inflatable sharks are filled with helium gas. Helium gas is provided in flower shops, 4S shops, and car wash shops. Due to transportation reasons, the package does not contain gas - can be reinflated over and over.
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