Notes on flyingfish diversity in Indonesia waters

Abstract

Flyingfish is a small pelagic commercial species caught by local fishermen in Indonesia waters which is an important fish by its roe (eggs) for export. Flyingfish diversity has been studied for almost a century since Weber and de Beaufort published their findings in 1922. In 1960, Parin extended this study, and after that, Hutomo et al. (1985) reviewed several flyingfish studies in Indonesia waters, especially on fishery aspects. Again, Parin (1999) revised the systematics of flyingfish in Indo-west Pacific, splitting the genus of Cypselurus Swainson 1838 into Cheilopogon Lowe 1841 and Hirundichthys Breeder 1928. In 2004-2010, we studied the diversity and distribution of flyingfish at 7 locations throughout Indonesia. We identified 14 species, and found that Parexocoetus mento was widely distributed. The Makassar Strait, Flores Sea and Ambon (central Maluku) are suggested as hotspots of flyingfish diversity in Indonesia waters.