The California flying fish (Accepted scientific names: Cypselurus californicus or Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus californicus) is a flying fish up to 18 inches (45 cm) in length, and up to 2 lbs (1 kg) in weight. It is the largest species of the flying fish family.

It is found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean

Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Earth's oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, bounded by Asia and Australia in the west, and the Americas in the east.At 165.2 million square kilometres in area, this largest division of the World...

, from Oregon

Oregon

Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...

 to Baja California

Baja California

Baja California officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Baja California is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is both the northernmost and westernmost state of Mexico. Before becoming a state in 1953, the area was known as the North...

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While it does not actually fly, it will swim up to 30 mph and launch itself into the air, using its specially adapted fins to glide for up to 1/4 mile. Its tail fins will vibrate to taxi along the surface.