Scomberesocoidea

Scomberesocoidea is a superfamily within the order Beloniformes, commonly known as the needlefishes. This superfamily is comprised of two families: Scomberesocidae and Exocoetidae, which include the flying fishes and sauries, respectively.

Taxonomy

The superfamily Scomberesocoidea is divided into two families:

• Scomberesocidae: Also known as the sauries, this family includes species like the Atlantic saury (Scomberesox saurus) and the Pacific saury (Cololabis saira). These fishes are characterized by their elongated bodies and jaws, and their ability to leap out of the water at high speeds.

• Exocoetidae: This family is better known as the flying fishes. Species in this family have the unique ability to glide above the water surface for considerable distances, thanks to their enlarged pectoral fins. Examples include the Atlantic flyingfish (Cheilopogon melanurus) and the mirrorwing flyingfish (Hirundichthys speculiger).

Characteristics

Members of the Scomberesocoidea superfamily are generally small to medium-sized fishes, with elongated, slender bodies. They are predominantly marine species, found in both temperate and tropical seas worldwide. Many species are capable of leaping out of the water, either to evade predators or in the case of the flying fishes, to glide over the water surface.

Ecology and Behavior

Scomberesocoidea species are typically pelagic, living in the open ocean rather than close to the coast. They feed on a diet of small planktonic organisms, including both zooplankton and phytoplankton. Some species, like the sauries, are known to leap out of the water at high speeds to escape predators.

Conservation Status

While some species within the Scomberesocoidea superfamily are commercially important and subject to fishing pressure, most are not currently considered threatened. However, like all marine species, they are potentially vulnerable to changes in their environment due to climate change and other anthropogenic factors.