The tropical two-wing flying fish gets its common name from the region where it lives (the tropics), the fact that it has greatly enlarged pectoral fins (“wings”), and its ability to glide long distances outside of the water to escape predation. It is one of approximately 65 species of flying fishes, which do not actually fly and would perhaps be better called “gliding fishes” as they cannot change direction. The two-wing flying fishes glide with their enlarged pectoral fins, while the four-wing flying fishes also have enlarged pelvic fins that contribute to their gliding ability.