HomeFish encyclopediaRay-finned fishesNeedle fishesFlyingfishesSmallhead flyingfish Smallhead flyingfish (Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus altipennis) Scientific name: Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus altipennis Valenciennes, 1847 The Smallhead flyingfish (Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus altipennis) is a marine fish of the family Exocoetidae. Native range: Western Indian Ocean, Kosi Bay to the Cape in South Africa (including Agulhas Bank). BiologyDorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-14; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 9 - 12. Body iridescent blue above, silvery white below; pectorals dark brownish grey (specimens 20-30cm SL with narrow, pale, transverse stripe); dorsal fin with or without black spot.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameCheilopogon pinnatibarbatus altipennisFamilyExocoetidae (Flyingfishes)OrderBeloniformes (Needle fishes)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length38.0EnvironmentMarine; pelagic-neriticClimateSubtropicalDistributionWestern Indian Ocean: Kosi Bay to the Cape in South Africa (including Agulhas Bank).Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026