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Numbers of flying fish observed during three voyages across the Indian Ocean
Author(s) -
Plomley N. J. B.
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1968.tb03032.x
Subject(s) - transect , fish <actinopterygii> , biology , belt transect , oceanography , fishery , ecology , geology
Variation in density of flying fish along a transect across the Indian Ocean between Fre‐mantle and Cape Gardafui, has been studied by counting, during three voyages on freighters, the flights induced by the passage of the ship. Two regions of maximum density were found, one in the region of 7°N., 58°E. and the other in the region of 5°S., 75°E. The causes of variation in the distribution are discussed briefly. The influence of some environmental factors on the flight of fish disturbed by the passage of a ship has been examined, and it has been concluded that wind force and direction, water temperature, and the components of weather, have little influence upon the choice of flight as a means to escape the disturbance. On the other hand, the bearing of the sun in relation to the direction of movement of the fish through the water before taking to flight has a considerable effect, fish being less likely to take to flight when their escape path is directed towards the sun than when it is directed away from the sun.