Prior to the 1970s, the California flying fish was known as a distinct species, with the scientific classification Cypselurus californicus.

It is the largest member of the flying fish family, growing up to 19 inches (48 cm) in length.

It is a marine species found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, from Oregon to Baja California.

The California flying fish spends most of its time in the open ocean but comes close to shore at night to forage and lay eggs in the protection of kelp beds.

Potanichthys xingyiensis is a member of Thoracopteridae, an extinct family of bony fish that existed during the Triassic period.

The mean sea surface temperature is the largest factor in determining where flying fish live.

Data shows that their top speed is ten meters per second, which can only be achieved at temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius.

The Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) supports the vast majority of this species and their predators.

California flying fish live in the epipelagic zone, the top 200 meters of the ocean where there is ample sunlight.

[4] All flying fish are oviparous,[7] meaning they reproduce by laying eggs rather than giving birth to live young.

[3] Otolith analysis has been successfully used in other species of flying fish to determine their age and growth rates.

[2] Flying fish are large enough to eat zooplankton, but small enough to be consumed by top predators.

For this reason, flying fish form a central mid-trophic component on epipelagic oceanic food webs.

[12] Adult California flying fish have a superior mouth type, meaning they are upturned.

Their lateral line, an organ that helps fish detect movement in the water, is located relatively low on the body.

California flying fish typically make up to five successive flights of decreasing distance and height at a time.

[14] To be energetically efficient in the water, it is beneficial to have a body type that minimizes drag, which slows the fish down.

Evolving a feature that is beneficial for efficient swimming may hurt the chances of flying effectively, and vice versa.

The drag experienced in the air is often less than that of the water, making it a reasonable hypothesis that gliding evolved as an energy-saving tactic.

There is one known fishery in southern California that sells frozen flying fish as bait for various species of tuna.

[21] There have been cases where flying fish were reported to jump onto well-lit boats, attracted by the light.

Catalina Island previously had an annual flying fish festival held from late May to early June.

[20] Though this festival is no longer held, the island has other ways of celebrating the arrival of the California flying fish.