類別

動物的拼圖

參賽者

蕭世輝

作品名稱

展翅高飛 Soaring to Great Heights

科學圖說 Scientific introduction

生活在海中的飛魚，發展出一套空中短程飛行的特殊裝置，用來避敵延續生命。當飛魚受到掠食者或航行船舶驚擾，會鼓起並展開特化的胸鰭。在短短1至2秒內，多次奮力扭動尾部，以稍長的尾鰭下緣，在海面劃出眾多優美的連接號。當累積足夠的動能時，就可打直魚身、攤平胸鰭，如滑翔翼般離水，短暫飛行一段距離。由此快速轉換身處的環境，躲避原本可能的敵害。

The flying fish lives in the ocean, but has developed unique adaptations that allow it short flights above the water to avoid predators. When encountering a predator or startled by an ocean-going vessel it will extend and puff up its pectoral fins and take flight for one to two seconds. It spares no effort in twisting and moving its tail. The long tail fin creates a beautiful wake. When it gathers enough kinetic energy, it straightens out its body to allow its pectoral fins to lie flat, and glides above the water’s surface for a short distance. It can therefore quickly escape its surroundings and hide from a possible predator.